Throw Out Your Diet Plan

This persuasive article in the New York Times is worth a read — it’s a personal tale from someone who dropped some pounds. Take some time with it, it’s not too long.

But in case you just want a summary, we have broken it down for you.

Moderation
You knew this was coming — avoid gorging, and you can eat a variety of foods including the occasional unhealthy snack.

Nutrition
You shouldn’t just be eating whatever you want. If you eat processed foods, read the nutrition labels of everything you buy. And if you don’t know what you should be looking for, then learn.

The Scale
Weighing yourself is a necessary evil. Do it a couple times each week, and you won’t be surprised if your pants get a little tighter.

Move

Eating good food is great; but if you aren’t exercising as well, you are not doing everything you can to make a healthy diet work for you. Do simple things like taking the stairs vs using the elevator. And when you have a chance to stand up, take it. Even these small efforts will help burn more calories throughout the day.

Forgiveness

People think of diets as having end points, and that is often why they don’t work in the long run. Healthy eating is how you’re supposed to live for the rest of your life, and in our lives we make mistakes. If you slip it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up. This is an ongoing process and what’s important is that you have more good days than bad. Enjoy the donut. And then forgive yourself. Just don’t do it at every meal.

-Shane M.