Learning how to stick to your diet is a process in itself. The major causes of a failed diet are usually quite simple. A lot of people have problems when they lack support or don’t know enough about which foods to eat and which foods not to eat. Other major factors also include having trouble finding food to eat out and the lack of cooking skills. I’ll address all of those issues below!

Key Tips

• Have a partner or a group (online forum?) for encouragement
• Learn a few simple recipes
• Have a few emergency snacking foods
• Cook in bulk
• Know all you can about what’s good to eat and what isn’t
• Make or purchase unsweetened beverages
• Use diet soda if you have an uncontrollable sugar craving

How to Stick to your Diet

The Art of Cooking

Cooking is very important to sticking to your diet. The best way to go about cooking is to find a few, simple recipes and cook enough for two meals. Use pre-chopped vegetables and multi-packed seasoning like Adobo or Old Bay. Cook enough for your dinner and some to pack for lunch the next day. Most food is fine microwaved.

Eating Out

When you forget to pack lunch and you find yourself having to eat out, you should know your options. Most fast food places offer bunless burgers. Chicken joints usually offer a baked/grilled alternative to the fried stuff. Diners can usually substitute the mashed potatoes or rice with mixed vegetables or creamed spinach.

Aim for Mexican or Thai spots, they’re usually good when it comes to low carb options. Just make sure you customize your options to fit your diet!

Snacks & Beverages

Nuts, kale chips, full fat plain yogurt, cheese, berries and plain dark chocolate (85%+) are all great snacks. It’s important to stock up on snacks. Just as it’s important to stock up on snacks, it’s also important to empty your house of all undesirable food and drinks. This way, temptation won’t get you. Snacks are very important to keep around.

Unsweetened lemonade, unsweetened ice tea and diet soda’s are good to keep around as well. That way, you’ll never get bored. Diet soda is great to curb those uncontrollable sugar cravings.

Have a Partner & be Well Rounded

There is strength in numbers. Having a friend can encourage you to stay on track. Sign up to a forum and exchange ideas. Not only will this motivate you and keep you in check, but you will learn more about what to eat. There are new discoveries made all the time when it comes to health. Keeping yourself surrounded by those who are like-minded will keep you up to date in the winning loop!

Don’t forget to share all your favorite recipes with your friends!

•