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Most diets involve us dramatically changing our eating habits. Not only
that, but these changes are meant to be maintained over an extended period
of time!
What this means is that we know have an ongoing battle against their will
power. This may be okay at first. The first few weeks of any diet are okay.
We start to lose weight and because we can see that all the hard work is
paying off we stick to the diet a little bit longer.
However, there will come a point when the initial weight loss slows down
- or even stops! When this happens we feel let down by our diet. We feel
miserable and we begin to seek solis in things like sweets, biscuit, cakes
and other comfort foods.
And then before you know it - BAM - we are back to our original weight again.
This happens a few more times and before you can say pass me the low fat
bagel, we are seasoned Yo-yo dieters. But don't worry, we can always start
our new super-can-not-fail diet tomorrow!
So what is the answer? Well, try these two tips.
1. Begin to address why you overeat. People find comfort in food for many
different reasons, most of which aren't hunger. Ask yourself why you eat
the foods you do. Is it just the taste factor? If it is why not buy low
fat options of your favourite meals or foods - these days the low fat substitutes
taste just like the real thing.
2. Or do you overeat to compensate for other things .e.g. The loss of a
loved one, feelings of inadequacy, depression etc. If this is the case then
you need to understand that no diet in the world will change how you feel
about yourself, others or situations. Just as the comfort eating doesn't
help, neither will dieting.
Stop dieting in the traditional sense. If you want to lose weight then start
by cutting out excess fat and sugar from your 'diet'. Start to exercise
just a little - exercise will burn calories and the fitter you will burn
more calories away from the gym as well.
If you feel like a cake, biscuit or sweets (substitute your favourite food
for mine here) have one. But just one. Allowing yourself the occasional
treat should stop you going insane and it should also stop your will power
picking fights with you and winning.
Additional information
Diet trials - Weight Watchers, Akins, Slim fast
Weight loss myths exposed
Calorie counter - the best ways to burn excess
calories
What is my body shape? And does it matter
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