So many of my weight loss clients come to me complaining of having tried every weight loss program and fad diet available. They tell me they often get results in the beginning, but find it impossible to stick with long term, and when they return to their old eating habits the weight just comes back on. This is also something that can happen to people who have gastric band or gastric bypass surgery, as over time they just return to their old eating habits and regain the weight they had lost. This kind of rebounding can be so frustrating and depressing.
If you want to lose weight AND maintain it, the most reliable approach is to create sensible eating habits FOR LIFE. Focusing on the habits, and not just losing weight quickly can set you up for a healthier weight and a healthier lifestyle without the mental stress that comes with dieting and rebounding.
So what are sensible eating habits, and how do we create them?
First off, let’s talk about the importance of eating regular meals. This starts with breakfast. You know that old saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? Well, it’s true! Eating a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day and can actually help you consume fewer calories throughout the day. Making sure that you eat three meals a day can also prevent night time bingeing. Some delicious and healthy breakfast options include a veggie omelette, Greek yogurt with berries, or a protein smoothie.
Next, let’s talk about snacking. Yes, you heard that right – snacking can actually be good for weight loss! The key is to choose healthy snacks that are high in protein and fibre, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Some tasty snack options include sliced veggies with hummus, apple slices with almond butter, or a handful of roasted nuts. If you have bad snacking habits – like choosing high calorie snacks like chocolate or nutritionally devoid junk food, it is important to get on top of this. Remove these snakes from your environment. If you can’t get rid of them completely because of other people in the house who want them, then at least keep them out of sight and reach, and make sure you have healthy snack options available.
Choosing healthier options in general across all of your meals is really important if you want to become healthier and leaner. It can actually be exciting to explore healthier options. Ensuring that you are prioritising protein and vegetables is a must, and there are so many creative ways of incorporating more vegetables into your diet. This doesn’t mean you should never eat your favourite foods if they are more on the indulgent side, it just means you should be making healthier choices more often. In fact, ensuring that you do include food that you love in your weekly meal plans is super important, as too much restriction is the reason that most of us throw in the towel when we embark on a healthier eating plan.
Now, let’s talk about the importance of hydration. Drinking enough water is crucial for weight loss, as it helps to flush out toxins and keeps your metabolism running smoothly. Plus, drinking water can actually help you feel full, which can prevent overeating. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and try adding lemon or cucumber slices for some extra flavour.
Finally, let’s talk about portion control. You don’t have to give up your favourite foods, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. Try using smaller plates and bowls to help control your portions, and aim to fill half your plate with veggies. And remember, it’s okay to indulge in moderation – just make sure to balance it out with healthy choices throughout the day.
So there you have it – some fun and easy nutrition tips to help you lose weight without feeling deprived. Remember to focus on healthy, whole foods and listen to your body’s hunger cues. And most importantly, have fun with it! Weight loss doesn’t have to be a chore – with a little creativity and some tasty recipes, you can make it a fun and enjoyable journey.
The importance of being kind to yourself and seeing the creation of new habits as a journey is important, take each day as it comes and remember that if you have an off day you can always pick up again the next day.
If you have any questions about how hypnotherapy can help you to create these sensible eating habits so you can kick fad dieting to the curb and lose weight naturally feel free to email me or check out my Online Self Paced Hypnosis for Weight Loss Program called Healthier Happier Easier here.