Dieting seems to have become a rite of passage that inevitably comes with adulthood. One study found that by the end of their lifetime, the average adult will have tried over 125 different diets. Unfortunately, the sheer number of diets presented in this data is evidence that they tend to not work. Often, this is because people go to extremes that just aren’t sustainable. They may not give you the instantaneous results promised by many fad diets, but there are ways to create a healthy, sustainable diet.
Eat Foods You Like
You might lose weight on a strict diet of only kale, but derailing is inevitable when you eventually tire of such a restrictive diet. People just don’t have that much willpower. With so many food options, there are bound to be healthy options that you actually enjoy. Sit down and make a list of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and whole grains that you like. When it is time to go grocery shopping, choose foods from your list. If you have healthy, delicious options at home, you will be less likely to grab junk food or eat out.
Eat Different Foods
One of the biggest problems with many of today’s fad diets is how restrictive they are. You will have a more balanced, nutrient-filled diet if you eat a wide variety of healthy foods. Plus, it’s far too easy to become bored with your diet if you eat the same things every day. Shake it up by trying something new at least weekly. Another way to diversify your diet is to eat more salads. Salads contain a variety of nutrients that are crucial to a healthy diet. The same is true for healthy soups, stews, and smoothies.
Make Small Changes
Often, people derail from their diet because they try to make a total overhaul overnight. It is very difficult to stick with massive changes. Instead, make small changes over time. It can be hard to have the patience this strategy requires, but when it comes to making positive dietary changes, slow and steady really does win the race. You could start by focusing on a single meal each day. Or make a goal to simply eat more fruits and vegetables. You might find success with limiting sweets to weekends only. As these small changes become habits, you can move on to the next goal.
It is in our nature to love a quick fix. However, creating a healthy and sustainable diet is not something that happens instantly. While it will take some willpower, it mostly requires a good strategy. Start small, focus on variety, and eat foods that you like.
Check out this article on nutrients that are critical to your digestive health!
