All it takes is one glance at the supermarket magazine racks to see that dieting is a popular preoccupation. It seems as though everywhere you look, someone is advertising or promoting the latest diet or fitness trend, designed to effortlessly melt off excess pounds and give you a thin, fit body. But so many people have dieted and lost weight, only to regain it later. This kind of up and down "yo-yo dieting" is a common cycle -- one that often results in frustration. Believe it or not, you can stop dieting and still control your weight and live a happy, healthy life.
Step 1
Approach dieting from a different perspective. The word "diet" typically implies short-term behavior change that requires discipline and deprivation. But this eating approach rarely works, notes Florida State University's Thagan Student Health Center. Instead of considering yourself "on a diet," start thinking of your nutrition goals as a gradual, permanent lifestyle change.
Step 2
Change your food intake gradually. Diets often require sudden, extreme change in eating, which can be difficult to maintain. You can achieve, a healthier lifestyle through small, realistic steps, such as slowly cutting down on sweets or soda, or gradually eating more fruits and vegetables.
Step 3
Emphasize healthy food choices from all the main food groups, says the American Dietetic Association. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy products and heart-healthy oils in your daily diet, and you'll automatically be eating well for proper weight control and lasting energy.
Step 4
Avoid unhealthy treats and sweets, such as foods high in saturated fat, sugar and calories, but don't make any food completely off limits. All foods are fine in moderation, and depriving yourself of absolutely everything you love will only lead to frustration and eventual overeating. Instead, remind yourself that food is simply fuel for your body, and that the occasional treat is OK.
Step 5
Adopt exercise as a frequent, and permanent, part of your life, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises. Exercise burns calories to balance out your food intake, and the more active you are, the higher your metabolism will run. Pick a form of exercise that you enjoy, and try to engage in it for an hour at a time most days of the week. This will help you say goodbye to diets forever.
Things You'll Need
- Exercise equipment
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