Millions of people all over the world share the desire to eat better, be more active, and live a generally healthier lifestyle. But sticking with that resolution is another story. Most of us either know someone who has failed to stick to a healthy diet, or even failed to do so ourselves.
What can be done to keep yourself on the right path? Here are six ways that can help you stick to that healthy diet for good.
1. Be Realistic
The single biggest problem that people have with sticking to a diet is that they are unrealistic about their expectations. “I’m going to lose 10kg in two weeks” is an example of extremely unrealistic expectations.
Keeping modest expectations isn’t “cutting corners” or anything of that nature. It is being realistic about the nature of our bodies. In fact, losing a large amount of weight in a short period of time can be considered unsustainable and even unhealthy. Set goals that are realistic and attainable.
2. Get Rid of the Junk
While having the mindset of cutting junk food out of your life is a noble one, we are all human beings. Keeping unhealthy food in our vicinity is more likely than not going to lead us to eating that unhealthy food.
So, do yourself a favour and get it out of the house. When it isn’t right there to tempt you, it is far less likely that you are going to go out and get it. Home delivery has made this a little more difficult, but it is still a good rule to follow.
3. Don’t Go “All or Nothing”
Far too many people dieting think it has to be 100% or 0%. But the simple fact is that, yes, we all have our weaknesses! While the goal should be to eat better, it doesn’t mean that you have to cut out every single thing from your pre-diet days.
The key is moderation. You can go off the plan here and there, so long as it isn’t going overboard. In the end, you are still doing far better than you were and that’s what matters.
4. Have Healthy Snacks on You
One of the biggest detriments to going on a diet is the convenience of food options available. Coming home from work, there are a plethora of options where you can stop quickly and grab something unhealthy to eat.
But with healthy snacks on you, you can fight the hunger off and avoid making those mistakes. Just make sure you have snacks that you enjoy. Otherwise, you’ll find an excuse to not eat those snacks and grab something unhealthy.
5. Be Patient
There is one thing about dieting that cannot really be changed: it requires patience. We all want to see results as soon as possible. But the simple reality is that it takes time and consistency to see real change.
It can be frustrating when you feel like you are not reaching your diet goals as quickly as you think you should. However, it is not a sprint but a marathon. Over the course of watching what you eat, you will start to see the positive changes that can follow you for a lifetime. Don’t lose hope, try to keep your patience and think long-term.
6. Pair Your Diet With Exercise
Living a healthier lifestyle isn’t just about dieting. Now that you are eating healthier, it is the perfect time to resolve to exercise more as well. Research has shown that when you make both dietary and physical changes at the same time, the results tend to reinforce one another.
Moreover, exercising can bring a slew of benefits and advantages to your health. Physical activity can also help increase your metabolism rate, increasing the number of calories you burn in a day.
Get The Right Advice
Sticking to a diet is harder than it seems. But with the right planning and a little bit of drive, anyone can do it. It isn’t an all-or-none endeavour and it certainly isn’t going to result in changes overnight. It is a positive life change and one that will have lasting effects for a long, long time to come.
If you are not sure what steps you should take when it comes to planning out your diet, you can always speak to your local GP or dietitian. Here at Coolaroo Clinic, our team of friendly doctors are more than happy to answer any queries you may have about your diet and overall health. Book an appointment to speak to us today.