At the start of the year, many of us made resolutions to eat healthier and live a more balanced lifestyle. Yet, as time goes on, it’s easy to slide back into old habits.
The team at North West Physio Everton Park wants to share some tips on how to get back on your diet, maintain momentum and achieve your goals this year.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the most common challenges people face when trying to get back into their diet is motivation. It’s easy to tell yourself, “I’ll start Monday,” only to find yourself repeating the phrase week after week.
Lack of accountability can also be a stumbling block. But remember, it’s important to be kind to yourself.
Acknowledge the setback, but don’t beat yourself up. You’re human, and everyone faces challenges. The key is to get back on track as soon as possible.
Setting Realistic Goals
An effective approach to getting back on your diet is to set achievable goals. For instance, try focusing on one or two things each week, like increasing your water intake or adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals. Small, manageable changes like these can add up to significant improvements over time.
Meal Planning and Preparation
Preparation is your best friend when it comes to sticking to a diet. Start by writing a grocery list and planning your meals for the week.
You might also consider meal prepping, which can be as simple as cooking extra dinner to take to work the next day or preparing key ingredients for various meals throughout the week.
Mindset and Motivation
Your mindset plays a pivotal role in your diet success. Try to think of food as fuel rather than a reward. Adopting this mindset can help you make healthier choices and overcome cravings.
Additionally, keeping a food diary can help you stay on track and make mindful eating decisions.
Striking a Balance
Achieving a balance between nutritious meals and occasional treats is vital.
Consider adopting the 80/20 rule—eating nutrient-dense, healthy foods most of the time, while allowing yourself the occasional treat.
Stay Accountable
To help stay accountable, consider seeing a dietitian. At North West Physio Everton Park, our dietitians can provide tips, education, and motivation to keep you on track. Monitoring your progress can also help, whether that’s through a food diary, progress photos, or noting changes in how your clothes fit.
Getting back on your diet after a setback can be tough, but with a solid plan and the right mindset, you can get back on track and achieve your health goals.
Remember, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with our dietitian to get a tailored plan to kick-start your diet and make this year your healthiest yet.
Your journey towards a healthier you starts here.
About Ally Smith
Ally is an experienced, Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD). She has an ‘everything in moderation’ approach to dietetics and her specialties include weight management (both weight loss/gain), gut health (IBS, IBD), chronic disease management, sports nutrition & disordered eating.
Book an appointment with Ally for help to reach your dieting goals!
