Eight Ways To Successful Dieting

Written by Debbie Simpson

It's safe to say that most of us, at some point in our lives, are unhappy with our weight, appearance or body shape. Here are ten tips to successful dieting:

1. Goal setting:

Before you even start at any diet, decide what it is you want to do. For example, "I want to lose 5kg and get down to my goal weight" or " I want to start eating a healthy and balanced diet" or "I want to get back to my pre-pregnancy body".

Whatever your goal, make sure you set one and that it is realistic FOR YOU!

2. Educate yourself:

Do some research into diets and exercise plans and find out the healthy ways to diet and lose weight. Remember - you want a strategy that is long term, not just a quick fix!

3. Make a plan:

Many great exercise and diet regimes have come unstuck because we have unrealistic expectations on ourselves. Diet and exercise plans should be something that we can stick to in the long term. For example,  "I'm going to exercise 6 hours a day and follow "such and such" diet, as well as hold down a full time job, go out with friends, date and still have time for my hobbies" (by the way I think this might be a little unreasonable). 

Short term goals like "I'm going to do some form of exercise 3 times each week and cut out soft drink and chocolate bars" are more likely to be easier to follow and stick to.

4. Implement the plan:

Once you've set your goals and decided what you plan on doing, DO IT! You won't achieve anything by coming up with great ideas but never implementing them. As they say "actions speak louder than words".

5. Have a support network:

It's very hard making changes to your lifestyle without the support of others. Enlist the support of your family or friends. Make sure they encourage you to follow your plan. If you can find someone else who also has similar goals to you, work together to achieve them or join a support group for dieters.

6. Dealing with failure and set backs:

We all fall off the diet wagon at one time or another. If you do, get straight back on! Acknowledge where you have gone wrong and put it right. You may also have to re-assess your goals and plans and see if you set them too high. Unrealistic goals are one of the surest ways to fail. 

7. What to do once you achieve your goals:

DO NOT go back to your old lifestyle! Otherwise you WILL find yourself back at square one. Set some new goals such as "I want to maintain my current weight". Come up with a new plan for your new goals.

8. Reward yourself:

Make sure you give yourself a hefty pat on the back for succeeding in your plan. A reward, such as buying that article of clothing you've always wanted or treating yourself to a facial/massage are much more practical rewards than going out and pigging out on all the food you have denied yourself!

I hope these tips have been helpful for you. Good luck!!!