Become a Non-Dieter for the New Year

Original Release date: January 9, 2008

In case you haven’t noticed, diet season has officially started. Dieting ads are beginning to saturate the airwaves, magazines, and newspapers. The temptation to start one is very high. We have just concluded the holiday season, we have probably overindulged more than we liked, and may not have exercised like we should. We may feel a little on the heavy side and have a small gleam of hope that the next new diet will do the trick. Before we get sucked into starting a new well funded, well marketed diet, remember these three words…DIET’S DON’T WORK!
Even though we intellectually know that diet’s don’t work, for some reason, we still find these diets so enticing. Statistics have shown over and over again that diets don’t work. What works is permanent lifestyle changes. One of the biggest New Year’s resolution’s made is to lose weight. Instead of focusing on which diet to begin, focus on living a healthier life. Focus each day on making healthier choices. Take your new healthy lifestyle one day at a time. Here some tips to get you moving towards a healthier you.

• Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you are satisfied. This is extremely important. We eat for so many reasons other than hunger. Do this, and you can reach and maintain a healthy weight for you.
  
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is very important for our health. Drink at least a half gallon of water per day if not more.
  
• Do not drink your calories. Consuming beverages that contain calories can halt any weight reducing goal. Regular soda, juice, and sugar sweetened beverages such as ice tea, lemonade, punch, etc.
  
• Concentrate on Natural foods. Natural, unprocessed foods are used more efficiently by the body. Choose fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Try to limit your intake of refined processed carbohydrates to only a few times per week.
  
• Choose lean proteins. Protein provides essential amino acids to repair and rebuild muscle tissue after your workouts. Good sources of protein include white meat poultry, fish, lean red meats, skim milk, yogurt, tofu, beans, and cottage cheese.
  
• Know your portion sizes. Each persons nutrition needs is very individual. When you sit down to eat, slowly consume your meal. Halfway through your meal, stop and take a look how much is left on your plate. Readdress your hunger. Listen to your body to see if you are indeed still hungry, or you just want to finish your food because it’s there. If you are indeed still hungry, then consume half of the remainder of your food and readdress your hunger again. This exercise will help you determine how much food you need to be satisfied…not overly full or stuffed…but satisfied.
  
• Moderate your alcohol use. Alcoholic beverages are loaded with sugary calories, which are easily converted to fat. Bottom line is don’t drink a lot of alcohol if you have a goal to achieve.
  
  You know your body better than anyone else. You know what foods makes your body feel good, and what food don’t. Rather than starting a new diet right now, try creating a new start to the new year and focus on a healthier you. Listen to your body! Eat when you are hungry…stop when you are satisfied.