by David Payne

Created on: November 07, 2010

There are two choices with food when wishing to lose weight. The decision you make will have the final say on what happens to your physique in the long term. Since both roads do not lead to the same destination we must take a step back and view the options clinically.

Dieting put simply is a fast and drastic measure of greatly reducing the calories that your body ingests. The reduction in calories going into the system of course has a quick and striking effect. Weight falls off and a slimmer figure does appear in record pace. But trying to sustain this unnatural process leaves the user hungry, irritable and in the long term just as unhealthy as before. It is a shock to the body that nine times out of ten does not work. People on diets tend to pile on all their previous weight plus some extra baggage, when the promise fails to reach their expectations. Because no one can live on any kind of serious restriction for a long time, is the primary reason failure is inevitable.

Which leads us nicely to the second choice. Eating healthily is about having the correct mental approach. Accepting that a permanent change is needed is the mindset required. Evolution rather than revolution is an accurate way to describe healthy eating. Slowly changing piece by piece what you eat is the only way to achieve success.

Introducing a healthy breakfast that contains a lot of fiber is a ideal start. Some cereals are a good option. Alternating this with some wholemeal toast and fresh fruit will add variety. Do not beat yourself up if you are still eating badly. Give it a few weeks with the change in breakfast. Once you feel accustomed to it then move on to having a piece of fruit mid morning. Again do not rush, allow a good month or two to get used to this permanent change. Lunch can be tweaked after this period, replace the fast greasy option with some more healthy alternatives. A light salad with some olives and grilled chicken can be added. Or fish and greens as an example. The more your palette gets used to healthier foods, the easier it will become to choose the correct type of meal. Be sure to consume a natural yogurt or some fruit in the late afternoon. Never feel like you need rush changing your lifestyle. If getting to this point takes six months to a year then so be it. It is after all for the rest of your life, so take the time to adjust accordingly. And finally replace the evening meal with one that is equally as healthy. Soups, small amounts of meat and lots of vegetables is a good place to start. Slowly reducing the caffeine and alcohol intake as well completes your metamorphosis.

Reject any and all diets and instead change the way you view food with a lifestyle change. Adding in a good amount of exercise during this process will change not only your body but your entire life. And not for just a year, but forever.   

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