Ive seen many post regarding following a diet and feel like most dont use the terms properly - so here is a differentiation:

Dieting vs. Diet: The Importance of Healthy Eating
The terms ‘dieting’ and ‘diet’ are often used interchangeably, yet they represent fundamentally different approaches to eating and health.

Dieting: A Temporary Fix

Dieting typically refers to the temporary and often restrictive eating patterns people adopt to achieve specific goals, usually weight loss. These diets often involve cutting out certain food groups, drastically reducing calorie intake, or following rigid meal plans. While dieting can lead to short-term weight loss, it often fails to provide a sustainable or healthy approach to eating. Common issues with dieting include:

Nutritional Imbalances: Restrictive diets can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, adversely affecting overall health.
Yo-Yo Effect: Many who diet experience a cycle of weight loss and gain, known as the yo-yo effect, which can be frustrating and detrimental to health.
Psychological Impact: Dieting can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, including feelings of guilt or obsession over food choices.

Diet: A Holistic Approach to Eating

In contrast, a diet in its broader sense refers to the kinds of food that a person habitually eats. A healthy diet focuses on balance, variety, and moderation, incorporating a wide range of nutrients necessary for the body to function optimally. At YMCA of Greater Whittier, we advocate for a diet that includes:

Variety of Nutrients: A balanced diet includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, sourced from a variety of foods.
Whole Foods: Emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which are rich in essential nutrients.
Mindful Eating: Encouraging awareness and enjoyment of food, eating in response to hunger cues, and understanding the body’s needs.

The Benefits of a Healthy Diet

Adopting a healthy diet has numerous benefits that go beyond weight management:

Improved Health: A balanced diet supports all body functions, from the immune system to heart health and mental well-being.
Sustainable Weight Management: Instead of rapid, unsustainable weight loss, a healthy diet supports gradual, long-term weight management.
Enhanced Energy and Mood: Proper nutrition leads to higher energy levels and can positively impact mood and mental health.

Source: https://ymcawhittier.org/dieting-vs-diet-the-importance-of-healthy-eating/