Six Habits That Can Ruin Your Healthy Diet

Weight loss, eating a healthier diet, becoming more active, working towards a better body shape. Whatever your goal, there always seems to be a few habits that get in the way, even with the best intentions.

Success means not only achieving your goal, but also maintaining it. Here are some common dieting habits to be careful of.

1. You think you can lose weight without exercise

   To be healthy, lose weight and keep it off, you need to exercise regularly. Exercise helps you achieve a better body shape by toning the muscles; supports metabolism; helps increase energy levels fitness and endurance, plus it’s good for the mind!

2. You drink too many calories

   Staying clear of the fizzy drinks is great, but don’t replace it by drinking more fruit juice. Remember: juice can contain almost the same number of calories as fizzy drinks. Yes, juice has natural sugars, which is better than sucrose or artificial sweeteners, but always read the label, as often is sugar added, and there’s no fibre. Where possible, eat your fruit, rather than drink it.

3. You think all fats are bad

   Beneficial fats are unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are primarily found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. Fat is essential for health, just make sure you limit saturated fats and trans fats.

4. A diet is a way of life, not a temporary thing

   Just because you’ve reached your target weight, or achieved your goal doesn’t mean you can stop your diet. Do celebrate your success, but don’t fall back into old habits. So many people who lose weight end up putting it back on – don’t be one of these people!

5. Nibbling and not knowing when to stop eating

   Eating small, regular meals throughout the day is fine, but make sure you keep them balanced and don’t lose track of how much you’ve eaten. It’s so easy to get caught up doing work or busy talking while you eat, and forget to stop when you’re no longer hungry!

6. Losing motivation

   Motivation is a huge part of sticking to your eating or exercise plan. Get family and friends around you that build you up and encourage you. This is especially important when you notice results starting to plateau. Try putting post-it notes or inspirational photographs around the house and in the pantry to remind yourself of your goals and how far you’ve come so far.

Remember, it’s easier to break habits, than it is to build them. So get family and friends to keep you motivated, stay focused and strong – the results will pay off.