It has happened to all of us at one point or another. The diet is going very well, you are watching what you eat, the weight is gradually coming down. Then we fall off the wagon and go back to our old ways. This is a short guide, a selection of tips, if you will, on how to follow your diet.
Remember how you were. This is an important one, when you feel like giving in, like it’s too much and you’re ready to break out the comfort foods one more time, snap the pictures. You know, the ones you really hate. These are his “before” photos, they are a phenomenal motivator. Think ahead a few months, how it will feel to put your “after” photos next to them. Stick to your diet.
Find a diet that you can follow. It’s fine to promise you a couple bowls of cabbage soup and nothing else at first. However, is it realistic? Can you imagine eating the same thing six weeks later? Regardless of which diet you decide to follow, make sure it has enough variety of foods to keep your interest. Stick to your diet.
Avoid temptation. If you know that you will overeat in specific situations, avoid them. If a few drinks after work results in a slap, take it away. Think what you can gain from a few months of discipline. Find something else to do, go bowling, go to the gym, watch a movie. Do whatever it takes to keep entertaining and stay away from temptations. Stick to your diet.
Find a dieting partner. Find someone with the same goals as you. A shared problem is a divided problem. It’s so much easier to go on a diet with someone by your side, fueling your spirit, someone to talk to at the gym, discuss feelings, etc. Stick to your diet.
Make a list of your achievement awards. Make a list of how you will treat yourself once you have achieved your weight loss goal. Actually, do not list it, detail. Write a paragraph, emphasize it. Add a new goal each week. Make it your weekly gift. These are not empty words, they are yours, you just have to work for them. Stick to your diet.
Setbacks happen. We all stumble at one point or another. The key to success is getting up and moving on. Don’t linger on a diet slip. Get over it, get back on the show, and move on. You must go ahead. Stick to your diet.