I believe that there really are no magic pills for helping us to lose weight and get healthy. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap that there really is an easier way and we see it everyday when we hear about the latest fad diet that is followed by a celebrity or even your best friend. Do you remember the “No-Carb Diet”, the “Keto diet”, “the Cabage Soup diet”, “the Cookie diet” and even the “Carnivore diet”. Following these diets may seem like a good idea, and even may help you shed some pounds (I mean if I could eat cookies all day and not gain weight, how crazy would I be to not try it!).
But, practically speaking, these fad diets are not sustainable. The honest to goodness truth is that losing weight and getting into shape and “being” healthy involves one’s willingness to practice eating healthy, the ability to self-monitor, the willingness to control food cravings and the ability to employ psychological coping strategies. Here are a few ways to make your achieve your healthier lifestyle:
DON’T COUNT CALORIES- look at the portion size. If it looks too big, it probably is. Use a smaller plate, smaller bowl, smaller silverware- you get the idea.
WATER- stay hydrated. This is key. I always keep a bottle of water by my side.
PROTEIN- this may in fact be a magic pill. Eating lean protein causes your body to burn more calories during the digestion and absorption process. And your body has to work harder to digest and absorb the nutrients in protein. Protein can also reduce your ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite, causing you to digest more food and store more fat. And finally, protein can boost your levels of peptide YY, a hormone that makes you feel full.
WHOLE FOODS- whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. Not only will eating whole foods keep the weight off, but doing so will keep you healthier.
SUPPORT- surround yourself with people who will help you in your healthy journey. Enlist the help of your spouse, family, or close friends who will motivate you to stay on track, and support you when you get off track. And don’t forget to be supportive of yourself!