Dieting vs Adopting Long-Term Healthy Eating Habits–What’s the Difference?
“I’m going on a diet.” We’ve all heard it, and most of us have said it, too. But the phrase “ON a diet” implies that you will hop OFF it and return to your old eating habits once you reach your desired weight. For far too many women, that’s the vicious cycle of dieting they get caught up in.
The secret to finding a diet that works is going on one that you will never be ready to go back off, a diet that you will follow for the rest of your life. And this means developing healthy habits and finding healthy foods you enjoy. You must undergo permanent lifestyle changes that create a healthier, happier version of you.
Engaging in a full-body workout like the Curves circuit will help you lose weight and give you added motivation to eat healthy foods as fuel.
Here are some healthy eating tips you can adopt long term:
Eat whole foods.
The healthiest foods are whole foods in their natural state. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, eggs and low-fat dairy, fish, and fresh, lean animal proteins. Some processed foods, such as protein shakes and low-calorie frozen dinners, may claim to help you lose weight, but these foods aren’t a good part of a long-term healthy eating plan.1
Stay away from fad diets and extreme dieting plans.
Crash diets and other diets that limit calories or certain food groups may help you lose weight quickly. But because they aren’t sustainable, diets like the Atkins diet or keto diet will not work as a permanent lifestyle change.
Get rid of temptation.
If it’s not in your house, you won’t eat it. So, stop buying the processed, sugary foods that tempt you, be they chips, cookies, or ice cream. Instead, shop the perimeter of the grocery store for fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Buy nutritious snacks.
The word “snack” has a negative connotation, because it’s usually linked with cheese curls, mini donuts, or other unhealthy items that come in crinkly packages. So, rethink snacks and stock your fridge with healthy foods you can easily grab on the go. These include foods high in fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. Examples are fresh fruits and vegetables with hummus or plain yogurt dip; whole-grain crackers with natural peanut butter; raw nuts; air-popped popcorn; and hard-boiled eggs. 2
Eat at home.
Of course, you’re not going to stop eating in restaurants forever, but you should limit meals out to special occasions if you want to follow healthy eating for weight loss. Research has shown restaurant meals are higher in calories, salt, fat, and sugar than meals prepared at home.3 When you do eat out, stick to salads with light dressing on the side, broiled fish and chicken instead of fried, and steamed veggies as a side instead of fries. Some restaurants print nutritional information on their menus. If so, look for the heart-healthy options that are lowest in calories and saturated fat.
Drink plenty of water.
Plain water is the best thing you can drink for hydration, and it contains zero calories. Plus, research has shown drinking the recommended amount of water per day can suppress appetite and increase calories burned. Drinking beverages, such as sweet tea, milk, juice, and soda, will add empty calories without making you feel full. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses (or a half gallon) of water per day. 4, 5
Talk to your Curves Coach.
Trying to adopt a healthy diet you can stick to can be hard. Your Curves Coach can give you the advice and motivation you need to follow a healthy eating program, like the Curves Nutrition Weight Management plan, that gives you energy for your full body workout and helps you lose weight.
Many women find that adopting healthy eating habits and sticking to a consistent exercise routine is half the battle when it comes to losing weight and keeping that weight off. Choosing the right lifestyle changes is key to taking control of your weight and your health. The good news is, with your Curves Coach by your side, you’ll have the support, motivation, and advice you need to make those lifestyle changes and stay on track to reach your goals!
Find out how your Curves Coach can assist you on your health and well-being journey here.
Sources:
- Plate power – 10 tips for healthy eating | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Plate power – 10 tips for healthy eating | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Healthiness of US Chain Restaurant Meals in 2017 – PubMed (nih.gov)
- 25 Simple Tips to Make Your Diet Healthier (healthline.com)
- How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day? (healthline.com)
