Friday, February 27, 2009

How to Stick To Your Diet For the Long Term

By Sarah Duke

Are you looking for a way to lose weight that you won't give up on? Many people find that their willpower gives out and they quit before they reach their weight loss goals. Try these tips for finding a healthy weight loss program that you can live with for life.

It makes no difference if you're embarking on your first diet or you've been through all of them at one time or another. It's possible to find a plan and stick to it until you get to the weight you want to be. The ones who lose weight long-term have learned that nothing is off limits, but moderation is the key.

The first tip is to find a diet plan that's not too strict. You've seen lots of these around. Some have special limits on carbs, protein, or anything that's the color white. On others you're supposed to start and stop over and over until the weight comes off. This can send you on extreme highs and lows emotionally and physically as your body is forced to adjust.

Fasting and bingeing, even on healthy foods, is a sure way to develop poor eating habits. As well, your body will become confused from the conflicting messages it's receiving. One minute you're devouring huge quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and carbs. And then you're subsisting on water with cayenne and honey.

Rather, look for a plan that teaches you to eat healthfully every day for the rest of your life. You need to know that it's okay to sometimes have a special treat or indulge in a glass of wine. That way you won't be bouncing from one end of the spectrum to the other. You'll enjoy more stability that will be better for your body as well as your emotional health.

When you're considering various sources of weight loss advice, think about it as a lifetime way of eating before you make a decision. Could you live without ever having a sweet treat again? Can you imagine never having a slice of bread again?

There are diets that promise that you'll lose your old cravings and you'll be able to stay with it for life. But caving in could cause you to regain the weight if you get discouraged and give up for good.

No diet plan is completely comfortable when you're used to being able to eat with freedom. Still, there are many plans that offer sensible ways to eat where you never have to leave an entire food group off of your plate. Stay away from fad diets. Rather, make the decision to find a diet that you can live with for life.

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