You’ve probably heard of many tips for sticking to your diet. But do any of them actually work? Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of tips and tricks to stay lean during the holiday season, but so many of them have unfortunately been epic failures instead of awesome success stories. After rummaging through all the magazines and diet-friendly sites out there, try these seven tips for sticking to your diet. These no non-sense tips are easy to follow and don’t require a ton of time or money.
1 Have a Plan
One of the best tips for sticking to your diet is having a plan. You can’t just wake up one day and decide that you’re going to change your eating habits. Doing so requires making sure you have the right foods on hand and knowing what safe and healthy strategies you’ll use to lose weight effectively. If you need to, talk to your doctor, a registered dietitian, or even a personal trainer for some advice for what kind of healthy eating plan you should follow.
2 Write It out
Once you have an idea of what you’re going to do, it’s important to write everything out. What will your goals be? To lose weight? To tone up? How are you going to get there? How are you going to manage tempting foods, cravings, and social gathering that revolve around food? Writing things out is a great way to have a grasp on the kinds of challenges you’ll face when you change your eating habits.
3 Get Rid of All Junk Food
Have you ever tried to diet, except that tub or ice cream or bag of chips seems to be calling out your name? A big part of sticking to your diet is removing temptations from your home. Of course, I realize you can’t remove all food temptations from life—there will undeniably be food temptations in the real world. But why not try making things a little easier on yourself and getting rid of food at home that you know will only sabotage your efforts.
4 Get a Partner to Hold You Accountable
Whether it’s a coworker, neighbor, or close friend, having a partner on your health and food journey is a surefire way to hold you accountable and keep you motivated. Call your partner during times of weakness or when you feel like giving up. They will assure you that you are making the right choices by getting healthy and eating better.
5 Research Meal Ideas That Are Fast, Easy, Healthy, and Affordable
Instead of coming home with no idea what to cook for dinner that night, research some meal ideas beforehand. Look for meals that aren’t just healthy, but also easy to prepare and affordable. Ideally, you should complete this research before you go food shopping. That way you’ll have all the ingredients you need ahead of time.
6 Find Recipes to Recreate Healthier Versions of Your Favorites
Sticking to a diet doesn’t mean deprivation. Find healthy recipes and alternatives for your favorite comfort foods. This way you can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
7 Eat Whole, Unprocessed Foods to Prevent Cravings
Often the reason we experience cravings is because of a nutritional deficiency. Instead of subsisting on ‘diet’ food that’s loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, eat whole, unprocessed foods. You’ll feel much better when you eat real food and will be less likely to binge.
Remember that it is possible to be successful on your diet even during the holidays! What are your tried and true methods for adhering to your diet and healthy eating plan?
