Ok, so you start out Monday eating a perfectly clean diet and by mid week you find it so hard to stick to a healthy eating plan that the candy isle in the grocer seems to be calling your name. Why do we struggle eating the way we know we should? Is it because we set these rigid no carbohydrate, no sugar, low fat and low calorie food plans that seem impossible to stick to? According to the National Weight Loss Association, this is one of the main reasons dieters quit their diets. Why not just live life in moderation? It is okay to have a cheat day every now and then as long as, for the most part, you make healthy food choices. As your personal trainer, avid exerciser and lover of nutritious food, let me share with you easy ways to stick to a healthy eating plan and actually love the food you are eating! Here is my foolproof plan to a leaner and healthier you.
Create a balanced food plan that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To stick to a healthy eating plan, it is important to map out your weekly plan and include a cheat meal or two so you don’t feel like you are on a diet. Your cheat meal can be pudding, ice-cream or a light meal out.
Stop looking back at all the food plans you tried that you did not stick to and analyzing all the times you failed. Start fresh because today is a new day and you can change your eating to be healthier. You will better your health, your waistline and your life!
Get a food diary to track your daily eating. If you write down what you eat throughout the day, you will be more aware of making healthy food choices. By writing down what you eat, you can also look at your daily calories to make sure you are in the correct range for your weight. Did you know dieters that log their food intake in a food diary are more likely to lose weight? So get out your diary and start writing!
Part of sticking to a weight loss plan is having healthy food on hand, so stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy food. Throw all the unhealthy food out and replace this with whole grains. Make sure your refrigerator is full of fruits and vegetables.
When you are out and on the go bring along healthy snacks, such as an apple, a bag of veggies, or skim cheese. If you have a healthy snack with you it will be easier to stick to your healthy meal plan!
Little victories like choosing the yogurt over the ice-cream show your willpower and how far you have come. Reward yourself with a manicure or pedicure each week to celebrate how far you have come. If you fall off the wagon a bit, just get back on track and keep going.
Understand that it can be difficult to stick to healthy eating and it may seem like there is temptation everywhere you go, but you can do it! Keep your head up and think positive because healthy eating has a large payoff- health benefits, weight loss and even more energy!
These tips to help you to stick to a healthy eating plan can change your life if you are dedicated. Are you ready to make these changes?