Thoughts about weight loss ideas
Clients, family, and friends are often asking me for weight loss ideas. In our society, there is such an emphasis on looking a certain way and the idea that if you follow someone, or eat the way they eat then you will automatically look the way they look. This is an unfortunate lie that most people have been sold.
Nutrition behavior change vs. weight loss ideas
This blog is going to be about realistic nutrition behavior change. I know, it’s not sexy. It’s not a quick fix but just hear me out! I know you are looking for weight loss ideas but if you stick around until the end you may learn a thing or two about being successful at making nutrition changes.
Failing on your diet
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I often talk to people who have started a diet or exercise plan. When we get into a session and start discussing what has worked for them in the past and what hasn’t worked they will usually say things like, “I failed, I fell off the wagon, I don’t have enough willpower.”
Willpower and dieting
The problem is, instead of just looking for weight loss ideas we are talking about real long-lasting behavior change. When someone says that they “fail,” on their diet, it is not due to a lack of willpower. When life gets busy or hectic following something that you aren’t used to can fall off the radar during times of survival.
Guilt-free living
Imagine with me for a moment the guilt that you feel when you tried to do something but it seemingly failed. Now let’s pretend that we do not do that to ourselves. That every time we try something new and it doesn’t quite go as planned that we acknowledge it BUT we keep trying to maintain those new behavior changes. Or if those behaviors aren’t serving you then let’s modify them and find another way of doing it.
Portion distortion
Give yourself the grace to know that we are all human and that just because it didn’t go the way we planned this time, doesn’t mean we won’t be able to accomplish it in the future. For example, if you have a hard time with portion control when it comes to ice cream (raises hand) and you start to eat out of the pint. Instead of continuing to eat out of the pint either put some in a bowl or put the pint away. Let’s say you continue eating it should you just say “Oh well I might as well eat the rest of it!”? Probably not the best idea. Just accept that you ate some and try to make a better choice next time if you want. Perfection is an illusion.
Down with diet culture
I am personally not in favor of, “diet culture,” or capitalizing on people’s weaknesses with nonsense diets or supplements that do not have evidence to support their efficacy. The diet industry, however, makes millions and millions of dollars off of people’s insecurities on the regular. I will say, that I think sometimes people use fad diets as a sort of “jumping off point,” for a healthier lifestyle it just usually isn’t sustainable and then results in them feeling like they failed, layered with guilt, and then a cheesy bacon burger to boot.
Balanced diet
Following a balanced diet without over-restricting, certain foods are what I have found the most effective with people. I know, I know, as I said before, it’s not sexy, but it works! Instead of looking for weight loss ideas we need to start listening more to our own bodies.
At Nutritiously Ever After we encourage foods instead of discouraging foods. We do NOT follow strict meal plans or promote fad diets.
Our meal plans are meant to be a resource and guide you in the right direction. Our goal is to work WITH you to make changes that can fit into your life, instead of the other way around.
If this sounds good to you and you are ready to stop letting food rule your life, then click here to get more information about what we offer. Our programs include a helpful community chat option and access to private messaging with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for added support.
Hope to see you soon!
Xoxo,
Jackie