Sunday, July 13, 2008

Sticking to Your Diet

Are you one of those people who has problems sticking to a diet? You keep finding new ones, but always manage to fall of the band wagon. Lack of daily routine could be the cause. Every good dieter must remain consistent in meals and exercise. Otherwise, your diet falls through rather early on. A routine is very simple to add to any diet.

Your basic routine should be consistent with food. You should eat a well balanced meal three times a day, with two snacks in between. Make sure to check the food pyramid for a detailed description of healthy meals. This Department of Agriculture web site allows you to figure out proper diet from your height, weight, age, and sex. This will allow you to remain consistent in food portions.

A technique that many professionals suggest is a food diary. The basic idea is to write everything you eat down in the diary. This determines how well you are doing and what needs to be worked on. Some may consider late night eating a problem, or lack of breakfast is making them more hungry. With a food diary you can check to make sure you are sticking to your diet. Keep in mind that lying in a food diary is not beneficial. You will be the only one reading it, and it would only be hurting you.

Encouragement goes a long way. It can be helpful to diet with a friend. You can each make sure your saying on track. Programs like Jenny Craig and Curves are for those who need extra support. And sometimes it helps just to know that others are going through the same thing. Weighing yourself can also help. If you weigh yourself regularly you can see your losing weight, and you'll be motivated to lose more. Remember that you won't lose 20 pounds in a week. If you did it would be very unhealthy and you should see a physician. A couple pounds a week is perfectly normal. If you are worried about not losing any, consult your food diary. The case may be you are not following your diet completely.

Following a diet is easy when you follow the right routine. Make sure your meals are consistent and follow the food pyramid. Always keep a food diary to help keep track of your diet. Lastly, find encouragement in friends or family. It helps to diet with others and weigh yourself frequently. Motivation is what helps you stick to a diet. So, keep yourself motivated.

No comments: