Did you know that one of every three women in America are on a diet right now? You’re probably not surprised – it comes as no shock that our country has a population that is a majority overweight. A huge factor in this is that diet culture continuously pushes fad diets in your face, which are proven to never work and can actually lead to an overall weight gain. Having an all-cabbage meal plan for two weeks might help you lose some pounds, but definitely will not be healthy in the long run. The key to healthy weight loss is a lifestyle change, so we’ve put together some do’s and don’ts to help you lose those pounds and keep them off.
Do: Allow Yourself A Treat
If you’ve worked hard on your meal plans and have stuck to a few days or weeks of healthy eating, coupled with a few gym trips, and just can’t get the thought of a donut out of your head – eat the donut. Allowing yourself a treat every now and then is a good way to make sure you don’t binge.
Don’t: Cut Foods Out Entirely
Just because your meal plan says that broccoli and chicken are healthy options does not mean you can never have mac and cheese again. Including small bits of ‘unhealthy’ options or creating healthier versions using lower-fat products will make sure you’re satisfied and never bored.
Do: Make A Meal Plan
Having a list to follow always makes life simpler, and taking 30 minutes out of your day to plan out what you’ll eat for the week will help you avoid hitting McDonald’s on the way home. Not to mention, planning your meals out in advance and buying food in larger quantities at the grocery store will help you save money.
Don’t: Starve Yourself
Being inordinately focused on everything you put in your mouth can lead to a preoccupation with anything you’re eating. Don’t avoid meals because you fear it may be unhealthy, or too many calories. Starving yourself will lead to binge eating, and ultimately weight gain when you do decide to eat.
Do: Drink Plenty Of Water
Water is one of nature’s miracle cures. It’s good for your skin, joints, and muscles and is a necessary part to making your organs function. The average adult woman needs to drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day. To make this easier, keep a refillable water bottle on you at all times and take a sip every fifteen minutes if you tend to forget your hydration.
Don’t: Drink Plenty Of Alcohol
Alcohol contains a lot of calories – usually around 115 for a shot of liquor or a glass of wine. You may think those glasses after work at happy hour don’t add up, but they do. Choose a diet soda or a water next time you go out and limit your alcohol intake to a minimum.
Of course, these are only a few things that you can do to make sure you stay at a happy and healthy weight. There are a wide variety of supplements and products that will make your weight loss journey easier and more convenient for your lifestyle, as well as a plethora of resources to set your mind at ease.
