As we finish up this great holiday season, many individuals look back at their consumption and wonder, "what happened?" While this feeling is a common one, it's important that those individuals considering a New Year's diet resolution have a plan.
Joe Mishlove, dietician at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, gives the following advice on starting and managing your diet plan for the coming year:
1. Be aware of what you're taking in. Often times, individuals aren't monitoring their calories and they're eating freely. Try to utilize a plate every time you eat. This way, you're always seeing exactly what you're taking in.
2. Monitor your calorie intake by writing down everything you eat on a small notepad that can be carried with you.
3. Substitute healthy foods for unhealthy ones. With diets, there is a concept called caloric-density. Choosing foods with a high caloric-density means your eating foods that are high in calories. Substitute these out for those with less caloric-density. For example, instead of drinking a large amount of apple juice that's high in sugar and calories, eat an apple. You'll get the same nutrition and filling without the sugar and calories.
4. Keep it pleasurable with the foods you eat. Eating is a stimulating experience and indulging isn't a bad thing on occassion. The problem is that people indulge too often. Watch how often you're eating heavily and work to limit your intake, especially when large amounts are around.
5. Have friends and family that you can count on for support. Talk to them about your struggles and successes with the diet. Eating healthy and losing weight don't happen overnight, and everyone needs the support of those they care about to accomplish such a large endeavor.
For more information about losing weight and starting a diet, check out our weight loss guide.
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