When the word “diet” is heard, most people would think of a temporary meal plan that will help them achieve their weight-loss goals. There are hundreds of so called “amazing diets” out there, but do they actually work? Most of the time, the answer is no. Once the diet is finished or the person reaches their goals, they go right back to the way they were eating before. Then in a matter of time (usually not very long) the individual gains back all the weight they lost and probably even more than before. This way of living is not sustainable or the correct way to go about your health.
If you are seriously trying to lose weight, you need to change your lifestyle and eating habits permanently. Instead of going on a diet, you need to change your diet. For some, this change might be easy, but for others it will be a huge struggle. There are many obstacles that will get in the way of living a healthy lifestyle, but with enough dedication, you will have success.
You may be wondering what you need to do to change your diet (the foods you’re consuming on an everyday basis). Here are a few tips to help start-off your new life-long diet:
- Eliminate processed foods (ex: McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A )
- Check food labels before purchasing (don’t bother buying the product if it contains high fructose corn syrup)
- Stay away from sugar! Besides from the obvious of candy, cookies, etc. this goes along with checking labels. If you are buying Almond Butter and the first ingredient is sugar, stay away from it. Avoid added sugar at all costs.
- Eat vegetables with every meal. Raw or steamed is best.
- Stay away from bread, pasta, and rice. They turn into sugar in your body which leads to weight gain and other various diseases. If you eat rice, make sure it is brown rice.
- When buying meat, eggs, or dairy (including butter), make sure to get organic grass-fed (meat) or cage-free (eggs). It is more expensive, but worth the cost. Non-organic meats are unhealthy.
- Eat healthy fats (ex: avocado’s, organic butter, extra virgin olive oil).
