There’s a BIG difference between dieting, which generally results in only a temporary loss of unwanted pounds, and making a lifestyle change that produces long-term weight loss. And if you’re tired of settling for temporary results from your dieting efforts, it might be time to go for something more permanent.

The idea of ”going on a diet” has negative connotations for most people because the ”diet,” requires that you deprive yourself in . . . → Read More: How To Get Rid Of That Excess Weight Without Dieting No related posts.]]>

There’s a BIG difference between dieting, which generally results in only a temporary loss of unwanted pounds, and making a lifestyle change that produces long-term weight loss. And if you’re tired of settling for temporary results from your dieting efforts, it might be time to go for something more permanent.

The idea of ”going on a diet” has negative connotations for most people because the ”diet,” requires that you deprive yourself in the short – term in order to lose weight quickly. You attempt to resist food cravings that you would rather just give in to. This type of mentality sets you up for failure before you even begin your weight loss program!

It can be far more damaging – to your health and self esteem – to start a weight loss program and quit it than it is to do nothing about your weight at all.  Popular calorie-restriction diets that emphasize low carbs, for example, often result in dieters putting back on the excess pounds (and more) when they stop the program.

The result for many dieters, unfortunately, is that they end up falling into a pattern of “yo-yo dieting“, which is all too common among dieters. You lose  some weight, you gain it back, you lose the weight again, and so on. You don’t have to be a genius to get that this isn’t good for your health long-term.

The alternative to “yo – yo dieting” is to look at weight loss as a long-term change in habits & lifestyle – not a temporary “crash diet” for rapid results.

This means avoiding the fads that promise results by eliminating one food group altogether or restrictive diets that call for to keep from eating any of the foods you enjoy, both of which are not sustainable over the long term.  A good nutrition plan is a big key to long-term success in losing weight and keeping it off.

You need a nutrient dense, balanced diet that allows for “cheat days” while keeping tabs on the number of calories you consume and avoiding foods that are unhealthy.

Nutrition plays the biggest part, but you also should apply the lifestyle-change mentality to your workouts. Many dieters try to hit the gym every day – assuming that they need to work out everyday to get results. This type of approach is not only unsustainable, it’s dangerous because you’re not allowing your body to recover properly. Not to mention you set yourself up for failure from the very beginning.

The alternative to hitting the gym every day is to adopt a 30 – 45 minute a day (for 3 -4 days a week) exercise program that you find enjoyable, which in turn will make it easy for you to stick with. You want a routine that helps you burn calories and build strength. And you’re not limited to the gym! Run, walk, swim, ride your bike, play full court basketball, work out with dumbbells, do pull ups – hanging leg raises – push ups. Your only limit is your imagination.

Just by making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can have the results you want over time without feeling like you’re depriving yourself to the point of being tempted to quit. And the yo-yo dieters will be begging you to tell them how you did it!

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