
Thinking about going on another diet? Well, stop right there. From this day forward, you can say adios to dieting! I'll tell you why. Fad diets are hard to keep up, inconsistent, and some may even have dangerous health repercussions. There is no need to starve yourself or limit yourself to a single food group. These methods might help you lose weight for a little while, but sooner or later, you’ll fall off of the bandwagon and the weight will pile on faster than ever. That’s because your body has been stripped of essential nutrients and is eager to keep from starving again.
A permanent answer is never going to be a quick fix or a fad diet. Instead, improved health and weight loss will come from consistent, healthy decisions. Instead of calling it a diet, call it a lifestyle change. Don’t do it all at once, either. Instead, make one alteration at a time. Create a goal sheet and put it somewhere you look often. You could even place notifications on your calendar as reminders to make these adjustments.
For example, this week make it a goal to give up soda. The next week, determine to eat your daily recommended amount of vegetables. The week after that, go without dessert. Before you know it, you’ll have a giant list of great health decisions under your belt, and you’ll have formed habits that will last a lifetime. Don’t get overwhelmed and don’t push yourself too hard. You need to be able to feel confident about these decisions. If you need a few weeks or even a month to get used to each new health choice, give yourself the time to do it.
No more giving everything up at once or feeling like you have to be perfect. Messing up is okay—giving up is not. Nobody’s perfect, and temptations are inevitable. The point is to not give in all the way if you do slip up a bit. You might have a cupcake at your nephew’s birthday party. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s not an excuse to go straight to the store and fill your cart with junk food. Instead, accept that you messed up, then go for a run or a bike ride to make up for it. If that’s not possible, fill up on fruits and veggies so you’re not tempted further. Stop yourself after one treat or even one bite.
Consistency is key. If you can learn to make habitual good choices, you’ll be on the road to a lifetime of health and peace of mind. Plus, you’ll never have to go on a diet—ever again!
~J. Rebecca Sanders
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article
February 28, 2014