Diet Resolutions and How to Keep Them

It's and this week you are definitely going to start your diet. How many times have you said that, only to lose your resolve by suppertime? The best way to stick with a diet is to not go on a diet. That doesn't mean to just give up and keep gorging. But a diet implies that you will change your habits for a period of time until you have reached a desired goal. Once you reach the goal, the diet is over. And usually you end up going back to the habits that put the weight on in the first place.

Focus on "Your" Diet, Not "A" Diet

Rather than start a diet, resolve instead to change to healthier eating habits. Find ways that you can cut fat, calories, salt, and sugar in your diet but still be satisfied. Upgrade your recipes to permanently reflect healthier ingredients and cooking methods. There are several ways to do this:

• Grill, bake, or use cooking spray to reduce fat
• Replace salt or packaged seasonings with fresh herbs.
• Use grilled onions, mushrooms and peppers instead of heavy sauces, butter or gravy.
• Experiment with interesting and flavorful ways to prepare vegetables.
• Cut down on your use of processed food. Freeze leftovers for those nights you are too busy or too tired to cook.

When eating out, ask the cook to leave off the sauce. Or have it served on the side. Choose a salad and vegetables over pasta and potatoes as your side items. Order a half size or child's size portion.

Before you reach for a snack, drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee to take the edge off of your hunger.

Switch Desserts

Try curbing your sweet tooth with fruit. If you're yearning for something special, try stewing or roasting fruits. Or make a salad of whatever fresh fruits you have in the house, with a dressing made from 1 cup of plain or vanilla low fat yogurt and 2 tablespoons of honey. Allow yourself special treats. It's not realistic to think that you will give up all of your favorite foods forever. It helps to plan the times when you are going to treat yourself. If you are out with friends and everyone is having dessert, try sharing your cheesecake. Or ordering a child's dessert.

Instead of dieting, resolve to be healthier. You'll find that you'll feel better as you are losing weight. Once it becomes your lifestyle, there will be no more "diet Mondays".

photo by James Farmer