"Traditional" diets DO NOT work

     When I say "traditional diets" I mean eliminating things (carbs,sweets,etc.) all together to lose weight. I am not saying these diets don't work, but for most people they do not last.  From experience and talking to people, here are my top reasons why I think these diets don't work::

   The number one reason these types of diets don't work is because most people just gain the weight back when they stop the diet (because it is not something you can do naturally everyday).

    Next would be that you always want the foods you "can't have". Everyone has had the experience I feel where they are like ok, I am going to get healthy, no sweets or artificial sugars, and the next day all you want and can think about is cookies, cake, chocolate, and candy! You hold out for a day or two, or if your lucky a week, then it's all down hill and you eat the sweets you said you wouldn't and it's not just one piece you end up scarfing the whole box or bar down. There is nothing wrong with having or wanting certain foods.

    That brings me to my final point, if/when you "cheat" on these diets most people beat themselves up about it. Personally I have been in that spot, ate the whole box of cookies then felt awful about it because I "wasn't supposed to", I was supposed to be eating healthy. When that happens most people, I know I do, just give up all together and end up eating more unhealthy things.

    I can not stress this point enough, eating healthy is about lifestyle changes, and knowing how to handle everyday situations while staying healthy. For example, you are going to go out to eat, knowing the heathy options to pick and what to avoid is key. I always look up restaurants I'm going to before hand so I can see what healthy options they offer. Also a lot of restaurants have added low calorie menu items that are clearly labeled. Everyone has a birthday, and gets invited to birthday parties, it's ok to have cake, but maybe make a conscious effort to leave half the piece on the plate. That tip can go for many things, it's ok to eat that cookie you want, if it's one cookie, not half the box. I have said it before it's ok to indulge SOMETIMES, just not in excess, try to remember the 90%, 10% rule. If you eat good 90% of the time you can have 10% of your diet be those little guilty pleasures you like. If you know you have an event where you will be eating out try to eat healthy and making that your "free" 10%.

    It's all about finding a balance, you want to be able to live a healthy and HAPPY life, and I know I'm not very happy when I can't have my carbs or chocolate every once and a while!

Live Healthy,
Nadia