The world is fad diet mad these days. Everywhere you look there’s a new diet with new promises…
"Lose 7lbs in 7 days with this method!"
"Join a guaranteed slimming programme!"
"Eat these soups, bars and shakes to shed the lbs!"
It makes weight loss feel impossible unless you’re following a specific and strict method that requires completely different food to the rest of the family.
The truth is these schemes can help weight loss. No doubt about it. They are designed to do just that and the reason so many people do them is because they work. You will (likely) lose weight.
But what happens when you lose the weight and then turn back to the food shop and cooking your own meals? Does the weight go back on again? Has all that work suddenly been washed away? Are you heavier than before the diet plan?
The problem with all these fad diets is they don’t teach you how to lose weight eating real food. So when you go back to doing the food shop you haven’t learnt anything to make it sustainable.
This isn’t your fault. It’s diet culture at its finest.
I’m here to tell you that weight loss doesn’t require specific branded food. It doesn’t require a strict step by step meal plan that you can’t deviate from. It doesn’t require you to stand on the scales every day or even every week. You can eat real food, with the whole family, and lose weight. I promise you!
Here’s are 3 fundamentals to weight loss:
1. Fill up on vegetables
Vegetables are key when it comes to weight loss. They contain vitamins, minerals, water and fibre to fill you up and give the body what it needs. You feel full and the number of calories you’ve consumed is less than if you chose a bowel of pasta or a baguette.
2. Get moving daily and frequently
Walking is such an underrated form of exercise. Fat is stored energy and muscles use up a lot of energy so the more we get the heart rate up and muscles moving, the more energy your body will use. Set yourself a daily or weekly step target to hit.
3. Prioritise sleep
Lack of or poor-quality sleep can play havoc with hormones that regulate appetite. Studies have shown that people who sleep less tend to eat bigger portions and snack on sugary foods. Focus on getting a good 8 hours of sleep a night to support weight loss. Take a look at 8 tips to secure a good night’s sleep.
Want support in losing weight while eating real food and still being able to enjoy life? Book a free consultation with Natalie Louise to find out how you can build a positive relationship with food and get off the diet wagon.
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Natalie Louise Burrows
Registered Nutritional Therapist
Natalie no longer works at The Natural Balance - you can read more about our Founder, Kelly here, or our fertility specialist Gail.
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