by Ann E. Smith

Created on: April 10, 2009

Diet fads come and go, but all with one thing in common. They appeal to those who need a way to fix a weight problem. Those diets that promise ease and speed are often the most popular.

But, millions of overweight people find it easy to lose weight on these diets, but close to impossible to keep it off. They instead go on and off the diet treadmill, with very little substantial progress made.

The reality is that the only way to lose weight and to maintain it is to change your lifestyle. Each day, you will need to make reasonable choices. To lose weight, you must take in fewer calories than you burn. To maintain a healthy weight, you will need to take in about the same amount of calories you burn.

How can you accomplish this goal? Is it possible to get off the diet treadmill to achieve this seemingly impossible feat? Absolutely! Here are a few simple guidelines.

* Make up your mind that you are going to change your lifestyle.

So much of the battle of the bulge is mental. Your thoughts, after all, often lead to behaviors including making bad food choices or overeating.

You must truly make up your mind that you are going to change your lifestyle. But, the key is to take it one day at a time so that you are dealing with a manageable dream.

* Consult with a nutritionist to learn about sensible eating.

If you are really going to get off the diet treadmill, you may need to throw out some of your old dieting habits. One great option for you is to spend some time with a nutritionist. This expert can create a sensible eating plan for you, one that will work based on various factors such as your gender, age, exercise routines and dining preferences.

There are also numerous online resources that offer recipes and suggestions for sensible eating. One popular site is www.hungry-girl.com. Another great resource for finding out nutritional information on various foods is wwwl.calorieking.com.

* Seek support.

Changing your life is a wonderful thing to do, but you may need some support. Perhaps you would benefit from joining a 12-step group on food addiction. Or Weight Watchers offers a wonderful support system for its program, which encourages lifestyle changes. Weight Watchers is not a diet, but a grounded overall program that is ideal for those seeking a lifestyle change.

There are other resources out there, too. You may want to seek some therapy to find some of the underlying reasons for your comfort eating. Or, you may enjoy some cooking classes for lighter dishes.

* Exercise.

Your priority may be to make sensible eating choices. Use exercise, though, as a complement to this goal. Exercise is crucial for your mind, body and spirit. It will also help anchor you to your one-day-at-a-time commitment to make more sensible eating choices.

* Have some fun with it.

Remember, you are not on a dreaded diet. Instead you are on the journey of making a lifestyle change. Remember to have some fun with it!

Let go of your love affair of ice cream. Instead have fun learning to pick out fresh fruits and finding new ways to eat them. Treat your culinary pursuits as a form of art.

You are no longer battling your food. You are making sensible choices, so you can relax and savor the food you eat.

In conclusion, you will feel great relief when you get off the diet treadmill and choose to adopt sensible eating. These are general tips to get you started. Once you get the swing of things, you will be amazed at the many new things you will learn about healthy eating and yourself.

Your overall health will also be greatly improved. This daily gift will remind you that you never have to get on the diet treadmill again.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.