SAY NO TO FAD DIETS!

SAY NO TO FAD DIETS!
Making good choices can sometimes be hard – but it’s worth it!
We all know that quick fixes and fad diets do not work long term and yet a great many people convince themselves that this time they’ve discovered the secret to easy and rapid weight loss. The only secret is the one kept by the marketers of these diets, which is that you’ll regain the weight as soon as you stop following the diet. However, this isn’t much of a secret, as we’re sure many followers of these quick fixes have been through this cycle at least once already. So, what we should be doing is retraining our brains and attitudes.
Creating bad, good or even easy habits can be addictive by nature, but when it comes to creating long term and permanent commitments, we should be seeking only positive ones. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses when modifying your diet and lifestyle and realise that it’s a long-term commitment, not just an intermittent hobby; meaningful changes will not occur overnight.
Focusing on the micros -micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health and also for protecting immunity, complexions, skin and nails. Most individuals lose hair and look pale on a crash diet. Adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, seafood, spirulina, seed mixture like melon, cucumber, pumpkin, subza seeds are great ways to enhance the overall quality of a meal. Let’s get real now and talk about ways that are simple, easy, fun and easy to follow to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.
1. GO NATURAL
Choosing natural foods instead of processed foods is a health no-brainer. Without additives, non- or minimally processed foods — lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables — mean you won't ingest excessive amounts of manmade chemicals.
2. PACE YOUR MEALTIME
When we eat quickly, our bodies don’t always have time to realize we’re full — so it’s easy to overeat. Enjoy what's on the plate and stop eating as soon as that stomach gives the first hint of being full. It's always possible to eat more later.
3. FIND AN EXERCISE REGIME YOU CAN STICK TO
There is no point signing up for an exercise regime you will never stick to in the long term, so for the best results choose something you enjoy and that is fits into the time you have available. Make it as easy as possible for yourself by choosing an activity that can be fit in any time such as running, or if you prefer more structure, a gym class that is at a convenient time and close to your home or work.
4. USE HEALTHY COOKING METHODS
Choosing healthier cooking methods or foods that have been cooked in a healthier way in restaurants is a good start to improving your health. Grilling, baking, steaming and poaching are all good cooking methods that need limited fat added. Frying should be avoided where possible, but if you do fry make sure the oil is as hot as possible as this means less fat is absorbed into the food.
5. DRINK MORE WATER
Staying well-hydrated helps your body function properly, and it also helps make sure you don’t overeat. But it's not just that staying hydrated keeps you from overeating. Sometimes you may feel hungry when, in fact, you're actually thirsty. Basically, no harm can come from drinking a glass of water.
6. COOK FROM SCRATCH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
By cooking food from basic fresh ingredients, you are aware of what you are eating and can make healthier choices. This can also help you to cut down your calorie intake, for example if you make a cake from scratch and see the amount of butter, sugar and other high calorie ingredients that go into the batter, you are more likely to eat less of the finished product than if you buy a product with no idea what is in it.
7. SERVE VEGETABLES WITH LUNCH AND DINNER
Another way to ensure you and your family meet you recommended intake for vegetables is to always serve at least two kinds of vegetables with lunch and dinner (not counting potatoes or other high starch varieties).
8. ENJOY YOUR FOOD AND MEALS
Studies have shown that those who sit down to a meal without distractions such as TV tend to consume less. Making time to enjoy and focus on your meal, rather than eating mindlessly whilst you are doing something else is a good way to control your intake. Food is a big part of our culture, so enjoy your food, rather than focusing on dieting or what you can’t eat. Look at the positives and enjoy the great, healthy foods that are available.