5 Tips for Sticking with Your Diet
Having trouble sticking to your diet? We all do from time to time. To really be on top of your game, create a plan that fits your lifestyle and takes into account that there will be tough times.
1. Choose a diet that fits your lifestyle. Low carb, low fat, and low calorie diets all have one thing in common: They will work if you stick with them. But if you choose a low carb diet, and deep down you know there's no way you're going to pass by the bread, maybe it's time to reevaluate. Remember, willpower doesn't have as much to do with whether you succeed as your perception of whether the diet is simple and easy to follow. Also, you may feel physically better on one diet over another. Choose the one that's right for you.
2. Set realistic goals. If you're set to go to the beach next month, losing 100 pounds by then probably isn't going to happen. Aim for one to two pounds per week (when you first start your diet, you may lose more than that but weight loss will quickly taper off). I'd say that even three pounds per week is possible under the right—healthy—circumstances.
3. Don't let one slip upset your whole plan. Everybody gives in to a snack attack at one or another. Just because you did too doesn't mean that's the end of the program and now you'll have to start all over again. It was a slip. Pick yourself up and say, "OK. I ate the Snickers bar. So what? I'm still heading toward my goal. A few too many calories, or too much fat, or whatever right now doesn't mean my future is doomed to failure." Sometimes people with weight problems have an all or nothing mentality. But reality is somewhere in between.
4. Find a support group, either online or in your community. Online support programs like Sparkpeople.com have message boards and ways to find people who have similar goals. Other programs like TOPS or OA get you face-to-face with people like you. Pick one that works for you.
5. Set up a system of non-food rewards. Many bloggers out there like Ann have found rewards that mean more to them than allowing themselves to overindulge and stay embedded in bad habits. Choose something that you really want and use that as enticement to reach your goal. Want a handbag? A piece of jewelry? Whatever it is give yourself permission to use that as a reward.
Don't forget: Sticking to a diet is hard for virtually everyone. Don't beat yourself up for an occasional slip. Look for support. And success can be yours.
1. Choose a diet that fits your lifestyle. Low carb, low fat, and low calorie diets all have one thing in common: They will work if you stick with them. But if you choose a low carb diet, and deep down you know there's no way you're going to pass by the bread, maybe it's time to reevaluate. Remember, willpower doesn't have as much to do with whether you succeed as your perception of whether the diet is simple and easy to follow. Also, you may feel physically better on one diet over another. Choose the one that's right for you.2. Set realistic goals. If you're set to go to the beach next month, losing 100 pounds by then probably isn't going to happen. Aim for one to two pounds per week (when you first start your diet, you may lose more than that but weight loss will quickly taper off). I'd say that even three pounds per week is possible under the right—healthy—circumstances.
3. Don't let one slip upset your whole plan. Everybody gives in to a snack attack at one or another. Just because you did too doesn't mean that's the end of the program and now you'll have to start all over again. It was a slip. Pick yourself up and say, "OK. I ate the Snickers bar. So what? I'm still heading toward my goal. A few too many calories, or too much fat, or whatever right now doesn't mean my future is doomed to failure." Sometimes people with weight problems have an all or nothing mentality. But reality is somewhere in between.
4. Find a support group, either online or in your community. Online support programs like Sparkpeople.com have message boards and ways to find people who have similar goals. Other programs like TOPS or OA get you face-to-face with people like you. Pick one that works for you.
5. Set up a system of non-food rewards. Many bloggers out there like Ann have found rewards that mean more to them than allowing themselves to overindulge and stay embedded in bad habits. Choose something that you really want and use that as enticement to reach your goal. Want a handbag? A piece of jewelry? Whatever it is give yourself permission to use that as a reward.
Don't forget: Sticking to a diet is hard for virtually everyone. Don't beat yourself up for an occasional slip. Look for support. And success can be yours.
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