Six Secrets to Help You Stick to Your Diet
We’ve all started diets that have lasted just a few weeks or days (in fact, I think I’ve been on a diet or two which didn’t make it past the first few hours!)
Starting a diet is fairly easy, especially when you’re feeling motivated. Sticking to it and maintaining your weight-loss … that’s much harder.
Here are six secrets – three “do”s and three “don’t”s – that’ll help you stick to your diet.
1. Don’t be a Perfectionist
Many dieters know the perfectionism-trap. You decide to be “good” – cutting out chips, candy, and all sorts of “bad” foods. You create an elaborate diet plan that lists all your meals and snacks. You manage one perfect day. And then something happens to send your diet off-course: perhaps a friend sharing a bag of chips with you, or a colleague at work bringing in chocolates. It could even be an emotional blip that sends you straight to the cookie jar.
The perfectionist mindset is dangerous because instead of thinking “Oh well, that one cookie won’t do any harm if I get straight back on track,” you end up thinking “I’ve failed, I might as well just give up.”
Focus on eating healthily 80% of the time. Don’t worry if you occasionally eat something you didn’t plan – it really isn’t going to have much of an impact in the long term. Never use a slip up as an excuse to give up.
2. Do Keep Temptation Away
It’s much easier to resist temptation when it’s not there! If you know that you find it hard to resist cookies, then don’t keep them in the house. If you must have snacks around for other family members or housemates, keep them out of easy reach.
I’m sure you’ve noticed how easy it is to mindlessly dip into a bowl of chips or nuts when they’re out on a table – even when you’re not hungry. The best way to resist temptation is to avoid letting it arise. Keep any “trigger” foods out of sight; you probably won’t think about them if you can’t see them.
3. Don’t Go Hungry
Never go on a diet that restricts you to fewer than a thousand calories per day (for most of us, this should be a higher minimum). By eating very little, you risk not getting the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Going on a starvation diet also makes it harder to lose weight, as your body will cling onto every last calorie. You can’t exercise well (or safely) when you’re hungry, either.
If you’re not sure how much you should be eating in order to lose weight at a safe, sustainable rate, check out the Calorie Counter – just plug in a few details and you’ll get a personalised daily calorie recommendation.
4. Do Seek Advice
Although some people will say that losing weight is simply a matter of “eat less, move more”, most dieters know that it’s easier said than done! If you find that you’re struggling to lose weight, don’t be afraid to look for advice.
Talking to your doctor before beginning any diet program or exercise regime is always a good idea: your individual circumstances and the current state of your health may influence what’s best for you. There are other people who can help you too: check out this post for a list.
You can also ask Laurie Beebee – a registered dietician – any questions that you’d like to see answered on You on an Diet: click here to send her your question.
5. Don’t Settle for Monotony
Is your diet getting dull? Are you bored with eating the same things for breakfast and lunch each day? Many of us get into a rut with our healthy, calorie-counted, nutritionally balanced meals. Look for some ways to branch out: maybe oatmeal instead of wholegrain cereal for breakfast, or a rice salad instead of a sandwich for lunch. It’s easier to stick to your diet when you’re not tempted to stray because you’re eating the same old thing yet again.
There are so many healthy, low-calorie, good-for-you foods that you never need to feel bored with your diet. I like to search online for new recipes when I’m short of inspiration – you might also want to try some of Laurie’s favorites.
6. Do Get Active
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of exercise. Yes, exercise alone won’t make you lose weight – but it’s a great boost when you’re eating a healthy diet. Exercising can help regulate your appetite, it keeps your energy levels up, and it helps you to de-stress without resorting to chocolate!
One tip that many dieters use is to go for a quick brisk walk when cravings strike. Getting out of the house for twenty minutes is often enough to outlast the craving. Taking the time to exercise can also help with will-power: you don’t want to undo the effects of your hard work by scoffing a candy bar…
What secrets have you discovered for sticking to your diet?
Written by Ali HaleRelated posts:
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