Motivation is the key towards a healthy fit body, and that's a fact. To adopt and maintain a healthy and efficient diet plan, you will need to follow a few golden rules. By sticking to a program, you will shed off those pesky extra pounds in no time at all!
Ally Note: Ya'll know that I harp continuously on making wise choices with food, selecting healthy fresh foods and learning to moderate your eating habits and stimulate your activity. As you read through these very helpful tips on sticking to a plan from guest contributor Amanda Wilks, you can click on the pictures for healthy recipes!
Planning Your Healthy Diet
Cutting out processed and fatty foods from your menu is an integral part of becoming fitter, but it isn't the sole step to apply. In fact, this transition encompasses everything in your kitchen and pantry, from your cookware to your refrigerator and back. To cook healthier dishes, it's important to choose pots and pans that don't leach any toxins into the food.
* One example in this category is represented by ceramic cookware.
* Due to their special coating, such containers prepare ingredients safely, while being non-stick and easy to clean at the same time. If you are planning to make the switch, you might want to read more information on the best ceramic cookware beforehand.
* Stock your kitchen with as much organic produce and as many free-range lean cuts of meat as possible, alongside other beneficial ingredients.
* According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a nourishing eating plan is mainly focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
* It also includes lean meats such as poultry and fish, and other sources of protein in the form of eggs, nuts, and beans.
How to Stay Motivated
1. Toss Out Unhealthy Foods
To stay on the weight loss 'soul train', first step, purge! Yes, get rid of all those foods that are like 'bad boyfriends', 'bad' for you. Foods that will sabotage motivation and hinder progress are a big no-no. Chips, chocolate bars, candies, even high-calorie 'energy' bars and other foods that masquerade as 'healthy' should go, so read labels and know what you're eating.
A study cited by EatingWell and conducted among a sample group of secretaries has uncovered that they were 71% more likely to indulge in a sweet treat when it was on display in a clear glass bowl than when it was placed in an opaque dish.
2. Monitor and Reward Progress
A 2013 study revealed that incorporating a digital assistant to your weight loss plan, such as an online tracker or a mobile app, enhances the results produced by a short-term diet prescribed by a licensed physician.
In addition to closely keeping track of your progress, rewards are also important. Set milestones for yourself and respond accordingly to reaching them. In other words, treat yourself! Anything from a new pair of shoes to a day at the spa will work wonders.
You should avoid using food as a reward by all possible means. An article comprised by nutrition experts for Healthline highlights that there are no real benefits to this type of prize other than indulgence, contrary to popular belief.
3. Have Realistic Expectations
Finally, always have realistic expectations from the diet and your body to improve self-discipline. Envisaging to lose ten pounds per week is simply not sustainable. Losing between one and two pounds per week is more than enough to improve your health and keep that extra weight off.
The Bottom Line
Planning a new diet starts with cookware and ends in the refrigerator. Sticking to it is an entirely different business. You will have to keep your will strong by eliminating temptations, as well as keep track of the pounds you shed off and reward achievements accordingly. And to avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment, realistic expectations are your best friend.
Author Bio: Amanda Wilks is a passionate writer, contributing author for The Kitchen Advisor, and cooking enthusiast. She enjoys writing about nutrition, healthy eating, and cooking methods. Through her writings, she hopes to inspire others to make smart choices regarding their own diet. Learn more about Amanda on Twitter.
