Six Tips on How to Stop Dieting and make it a Lifestyle Change.

What do you think when you hear the word “diet”? I can tell you what I think. I think of deprivation, temporary solution, not sustainable. Diets do not work because it usually involves in depriving ourselves of food, for a certain about of time, and as soon as the weight is gone, we go back to our old ways. What happens when we do that? The weight comes back! So what if, instead of going on a diet, you make it a lifestyle? By making it a lifestyle, you are implementing behaviors that you can stick to. Here are six tips to help you do that

  • First, we are more than a number on the scale. The scale is a tool that we use, with all our other tools, to see progress. How about instead of being a slave to the scale, you go by how your clothes fit? Take your measurements and redo them once a month, every six weeks, or after you complete a workout program. Finally, take progress photos. Once a month I put on the same workout clothes and take a series of photos. I compare each month and see how I am doing. This right here tells me more than a number on the scale.
  • Exercise regularly. It is true, you can’t outrun the fork, however exercise is so important. Exercise increases our energy levels. It helps reduce risk of chronic diseases. It aids in weight loss. Those who exercise, sleep better and have an easier time relaxing. It helps with brain health and memory. It makes us feel like a badass ;). Another important point about exercise, find something that you like and will stick to. If you hate running, do not commit to running 4 times a week. For example, I hate cardio, but LOVE to run. My workout routines involve strength training for the most part and my weekly miles. I am not going to stick to a routine that is all cardio.
  • Eat healthy, whole foods that nourish your body. Food is your body’s fuel. It is not going to run properly if you feed it crap.
  • Everything in moderation. No food or food group should totally be cut out of your life. Instead of simple carbohydrates, chose complex carbohydrates. This includes high fiber, whole grain breads, pasta, oatmeal, brown rice and sweet potato. Also, when you do have a treat, like Mom’s chocolate chip cookies (I make the best!), don’t feel guilty. Having a couple of cookies is not going to derail you. If you are eating clean 80-90% of the time, you can indulge and enjoy a treat. Notice I use the word treat and not cheat. Remember, this is not a diet. Cheats only happen on a diet.
  • Drink half your body weight in water. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day. If you exercise, that number should be higher. By the time we start to feel thirsty, our bodies are already dehydrated. Water will help keep you full, clear up your skin and keep your body working properly.
  • Learn to listen to your body. A good example of this. Every day at 3:00pm I need a snack. Or I think I need a snack. Sometimes, it is true, I am hungry and my body is sending me signals to feed it. However, there are other days this is simply not the case, yet I go to reach for something out of habit. I am putting something in my body unnecessarily. My being in tune with myself, I can stop the unnecessary snacking.

I hope you found this to be helpful. If you are looking for some help or support implementing these changes, I run a free Facebook group. It is a place where we lift each other up, cheer each other on and share ideas. Drop me a note, I would be happy to add you.

About The Author

Heather

37 COMMENTS

  1. Liza | 14th Mar 19

    Thank you for sharing this. Moderation and lifestyle changes are SO important! I had an eating disorder in high school because I was obsessed with dieting and it spiraled out of control. Balance is key!!

    • Heather | 14th Mar 19

      Thank you for sharing. I hope you are doing well now.

  2. Brittany | 14th Mar 19

    All of these are key elements to making a lifestyle change. I feel the word diet is so negative! Making healthy changes that will last a lifetime are key. Thanks for sharing!

    • Heather | 14th Mar 19

      Thank you. Yes, it is very negative.

  3. Anna | 14th Mar 19

    These are all great points. Dieting never actually works.

  4. Caitlin | 14th Mar 19

    Tried and true advice! It makes it almost impossible when you tell yourself “Oh, I can never eat this again!” I think we set ourselves up for failure that way. Thanks for sharing!

    • Heather | 14th Mar 19

      Thanks! I could never give up ice cream. Moderation is key. I say this as I pop a Cadbury Mini egg in my mouth 🙂

  5. Tricia Snow | 14th Mar 19

    Very good advice! Diets never last but exchanging old habits for newer healthy ones do!

  6. Leigh Ann | 14th Mar 19

    I can really relate to this. I’ve been following the Code Red Lifestyle for almost 2 years and it’s so much more than a diet. Great job recognizing the need for a mindset change!

    • Heather | 14th Mar 19

      Ohh. I have never heard of it. I am going to check it out. Thank you for sharing.

  7. Hollysbirdnest | 14th Mar 19

    I have been working on this the last 2 years, I have lost some weight, but I feel better! Thank you for the great tips!

    • Heather | 14th Mar 19

      Your welcome and thanks for stopping by. Life is all about balance 🙂

  8. Janine | 14th Mar 19

    I completely agree! Just by finding time to exercise and drink more water everyday goes a long way in making me feel better and healthier.

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Water and exercise are non negotiable for me. However, it took until I was 40 to figure it out.

  9. Jenna | 15th Mar 19

    These are such great tips! I have been on a diet for what seems like forever! Sometimes it is actually a diet, other times I’ve tried making these lifestyle changes you’ve talked about but I still call it a diet!

  10. Angela Greven | 15th Mar 19

    Excellent tips, balance in all things! I completely agree that diets truly never work. Thank you 🙂

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Thanks for stopping by!

  11. Michele Vadnais | 15th Mar 19

    Very basic tips that we all need to hear! Fad diets fail! Being good to yourself and changing your lifestyle is a must! Thank you for reminding us how important that is!

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Thank you for stopping by!

  12. Meagan | 15th Mar 19

    Moderation has definitely always been my struggle. As an adult, I am trying to make better lifestyle choices. Thank you for the tips!

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Thank you for reading and commenting!

  13. Cindy | 15th Mar 19

    Great tips! Healthy living is definitely a lifestyle, not a diet. One brings lasting change while the other is temporary. I embrace lifestyle! I’ve been plant based for almost three years.

  14. Pauline Reynolds | 15th Mar 19

    Eating healthy is a part of self care. It is also truly a lifestyle.

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Yes it is. 🙂

  15. Junell DuBois | 15th Mar 19

    I’ve never known any actual diets to work for the long haul. The only time people keep weight off is with lifestyle changes!

  16. tiffany | 16th Mar 19

    All important reminders. I keep telling myself that my eating habits might change a bit – but my body won’t change at all if I don’t start moving.

    • Heather | 16th Mar 19

      Yes, both are important. Just incorporate a little at a time. You got this!

  17. jen | 17th Mar 19

    well this is timely… looked at some old photos last week and thought OMG who have I become… must make changes immediately!

    • Heather | 17th Mar 19

      Take it one step at a time. Please reach out if you would like some support and accountability.

  18. T.M. Brown | 18th Mar 19

    For me, it is all about moderation – and water! Great tips. Thanks for putting those all in one place.

  19. Nicki | 18th Mar 19

    These are all great healthy lifestyle tips. Moderation is the key.

  20. Beth Shields | 28th Apr 20

    Thanks for your reminders. Always important and moderation is one of the keys for sure. My son owns a gym – so I have a built in motivator for sure but its still in balance. Thanks.

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