The Best Ways to Stick to a Diet

Congratulations if you have ever thought about going on a diet! You do know when to begin. The trouble is sticking with it. 

Common mistakes people make when Dieting.

1. Crash Dieting

One eats very little food and sheds those extra kilos faster. But studies have found that this dieting negatively impacts one’s body. Due to a lack of proper nutrients, your immune system becomes weak, thus quickly inviting diseases to enter the body. It also affects your mood (you may experience constant mood swings) and your hair and skin. Eating less does not signify losing weight. It may be a temporary relief, but you are bound to regain those kilos in the long run. 

2. Changing your Diet frequently

Yes, it’s okay to experiment on what suits your body the best. However, don’t follow others blindly. Stick to what your body can handle. 

How to Stick to Your Diet?

1. Strengthen your Willpower

It’s all in your mind. Literally! Our mind controls everything. If we think we can, we will. Likewise, if we believe we can’t, we can never. You will need to strengthen your willpower first. And this is possible by looking at the brighter side. Concentrate on your goal and not the roadblocks. 

2. Set Small Goals

Starting small is better than jumping into something too big to handle. Start by setting a weekly schedule. Increase it gradually week by week. Eventually, you’ll achieve your set goals. 

3. Don’t Expect Instant Results

Staying fit is a lifelong commitment. You can’t expect instant results. It would be best to allow your body to adjust to your new routine. Hold on and keep going. Most people give up when they don’t see much difference. 

4. Stop Procrastinating

Start now instead of starting next week or the coming Monday. We all have been there. That Monday keeps dragging on, and we sit there waiting for some motivation. Be the force you want and need. Remember, you are the barrier to your achievements and not anyone else.

5. Get Creative

Can’t give up on rice? Switch to Brown rice. In comparison with white rice, it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

Quinoa and oats are also good options to include in your diet. Recipes are available online that help you create a variety of meals with these millets. What’s great is that you no longer feel hungry, so you don’t experience those constant hunger pangs. 

Use Stevia (a zero-calorie sugar substitute made from the Stevia plant) instead of sugar. The product is available online.  

6. Consciously Limit your Alcohol Intake

Especially Beer- it contains as many calories as a soft drink. It drastically increases your belly fat and is harmful to your liver. Likewise, any alcohol consumed frequently will negatively impact your health and lifestyle. This temporary happiness will eventually become your permanent enemy. Before that happens, limit it to a maximum of 1-2 cans once a week—no more than that. 

Let’s talk about Cheat days!!

We all deserve to treat ourselves to good food once in a while. But we go wrong when it comes to quantity. Cheat days do not mean to gobble up anything and everything. If you crave a pizza, have only a slice or two, not the whole one unless you’re the Rock (Dwayne Johnson).

I know this seems unfair. But here’s a better option- switch those cheat days with a cheat hour. This means you can have your slice of pizza (one or two maximum) either at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you consume it at breakfast, make sure to eat healthy during lunch and dinner.

Likewise, you may include your favorite item in your daily diet. However, be careful about the quantity. Please do not overdo it. Consider this a bonus for dieting. Honestly, ask yourself each day, ‘Do I deserve to eat this?’ ‘Have I worked out satisfactorily?’

Keep Working out!!

Dieting without a proper workout would not give you the desired results. Make sure to exercise at least five days a week for approx 30 minutes. If not gyming, home workouts work the best: jump, dance, kick-box, climbing up the stairs instead of using the lift, walking, or cycling. The body is not a warehouse. You can’t keep storing food without burning it out. An excuse from a workout now will be a regret later. 

There are many articles like this on fitness and dieting. It’s up to you to decide what’s right for you. Choose your way of living. Maintaining your fitness will eventually lead to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Appreciate your little achievements, and you’re halfway there. 

Source: obesityaction.org