The importance of easing into dieting

[JulieAnneLoves]

Hey everyone!

I am actually writing a book on dieting currently, and am starting up my own diet coaching program. I wanted to share one of (in my opinion) the most important aspects of being successful with losing weight and becoming healthy.

Generally, people tend to set a certain date when they want to start "dieting" or putting some new plan into effect. Most of them don't realize that they are immediately setting themselves up for failure!

Phasing into dieting

One of the biggest things my new book is centered around is phasing in the diet over time. To sum it up, you want to have a phase of around 4-6 weeks. Each week you will add a few new things and take away a few things as well. At the end of the phase in period, you will be completely accustomed to your diet, and you will find it SO much more easier than abruptly changing your eating habits!

Here is an example:

Week 1 -

Begin getting rough estimates of your caloric intake per day. Try to keep the amount within 200 calories of what you truly eat; this can be done by keeping a small notepad with you and writing down everything you eat - you can then do calculations when you get home.

Replace 2 drinks per day with water - personally recommend adding crystal light for taste purposes (you can also use diet pop, however water would be a better choice)

Take two ten minute walks this week

As you can see, week 1 is pretty easy. I made this up on the spot just to give you guys an idea of what I am talking about

In conclusion, don't set yourself up for failure; phase your diet in over time and don't be in a rush - you are much more likely to succeed when phasing it in! You will also curb the harsh cravings that develop when suddenly changing your diet

Any questions, just ask!

-Julie

 

[shygemini]

i did this the first time around with my change in eating habits...

i used to drink alot of pop, which i knew i needed to cut out. So, I started drinking juice and milk in place of pop. I had major cravings for pop the first couple of days, and then it went away. I then started diluting my juice in half with water, and finally incorporated alot more water into my diet.

Although i have gained back the weight i lost, i still do not drink pop, with the exception of gingerale when i am ill. So it is nice that one good habit stuck!

 

[ChefChiTown]

I made this up on the spot just to give you guys an idea of what I am talking about

Hmm, sounds credible already. HAHAHAHA

 

[Kayshiz]

Replace 2 drinks per day with water - personally recommend adding crystal light for taste purposes (you can also use diet pop, however water would be a better choice)

If you can convince me that water with crystal light mixed in it is somehow magically better for you then diet soda I may continue to read your post.

..go!

 

[shygemini]

Its not alot better (as both have artificial sugar in them) but at least crystal light is not carbonated...so that is one thing going for it. Personally i can't stand the taste of diet drinks.

What is good to add to water is true lime and true lemon packets. They have just natural flavors and no sugars.