Say no to fad diets!

The soup diet, the banana diet, the shake diet, diet tea, diet coffee, this cleanse, that detox… the health industry is saturated with miracle plans promising quick fixes, dramatic weight loss, and a guaranteed happily ever after. The problem with these fad diets is that they aren’t healthy or sustainable – something you’ll know for a fact if you’ve ever tried one. So what should you do instead?

Make it sustainable.

You hear it all the time: “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle.” It’s annoying, but it’s true. What it means is that you can’t choose an eating plan you’ll only be able to stick to for six weeks – you’ll need to find one you can follow for years to come. While it might involve some chopping and changing till you hit upon the plan that’s right for you, your sustained health and weight loss will make it all worthwhile.

Make small changes.

If you want to lose weight but can’t commit to an entire lifestyle overhaul all at once, small changes can make a big difference. Start with something simple, like one less teaspoon of sugar in your coffee. Add one more change a week until all your choices are healthy ones. Chances are the transformation will have been so gradual, you won’t even have noticed it.

Make it realistic.

Sure, losing weight means saying no to sweets and chocolates and pizzas and chips. But what’s better? Going without for months on end and falling off the wagon in a spectacular binge, or allowing yourself a little of what you love every now and then, and staying on track for the long-term? The latter is what you’re aiming for. So give yourself the space to enjoy a not-so-healthy choice every once in a while, and let the guilt go. Because honestly, a life without ice cream isn’t worth living.

Make it fun.

Life isn’t about deprivation and punishment and sacrifice – which is what most quick fixes advocate. Instead, it’s about pleasure and enjoyment and value. Just because you’re eating healthy food doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Put together meals packed with colour, flavour, and texture. And enjoy every delicious mouthful while losing weight at the same time. Bon appétit!

For more health advice find out why eggs are good for you!