By Dieting fails for a lot of people because of the constant restrictions from their favourite foods. It can become frustrating and lead to endless cravings, then finally dismissing diets altogether. Have you ever had this experience when dieting?
My weight loss journey is similar. I only seriously dieted when I began to train for bodybuilding competitions. I was an avid sugar and carb addict. I didn’t have lots of body fat, but I was very unhealthy and didn’t have a six-pack (as that was something I wanted for a long time). I used to ask myself, “do I diet for my six-pack or carry on eating for pleasure?” As you can probably guess, I ate for pleasure until that day I committed to becoming stage-ready.
It was a hard and long road, but I did it in the end! Sugar was a terrible substance to cut out completely. That was very tough for me. I went from having four sugars in my coffee, 2x per day, to having stevia. It was a definite shock to the system. The cravings were eating away at me! So, I know what you are going through.
Changing your nutritional habits can be as easy or hard as make it. If you have a particular outcome in mind, then this is the one thing that will help you get through the callous times ahead. My goal, in the beginning, was to change my body shape and compete on stage as the best package I can be. For others, it can be about eliminating disease or some form of discomfort in their bodies. After all, food is your medicine, and eating the right balance will help keep you healthy, strong and disease-free.
The great news is that you don’t have to eat healthy food 100% of the time (unless you want to, of course). There are a few ways to sneak in some of your favourite junk type foods, which won’t break your diet bank balance – and not cause too much.
Four ways to sneak in your favourite junk foods when dieting
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Indulge in one cheat meal per week (only!). This is every competitor and dieters favourite day of the week! It’s the one day when they can indulge in their favourite meal! What you must do beforehand is eat a good meal filled with protein, fat and carbs. Then when you’ve polished off that one, go ahead and have your cheat meal. The protein meal beforehand will stop you from overindulging in that amazing dessert or treat. If you prefer savoury treats, then do make sure you have been eating well throughout the day before you indulge. Cheat meals are sacred and will help keep your sanity intact when dieting. Just be sure to go easy on the treat and use moderation.
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Make healthy versions of your favourite foods. I love doing this! I’m constantly supplementing unhealthy meals with delicious, healthy alternatives. There is nothing like having a healthy meal, which tastes out of this world! I know it’s not 100% the same, but we do have to start training our bodies to appreciate the flavour of real and live things, other than processed and contaminated junk foods. You may have to experiment a bit, but eventually, you will become a natural! Need help with this, then check out this recipe book attached
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Intermittent fasting. This is my favourite method of dieting! You want to know why? Well, the results are fast, and you spring your health back into a positive place. You can also get away with eating a naughty thing or two regularly. No other diet allows for this kind of flexibility! In saying that, you still have to restrict what you are eating. This lifestyle is definitely about eating clean and living a sustainable life – with flexibility. All you have to do is skip dinner or breakfast – it doesn’t get simpler than that!
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Absence makes the belly forget – who said that you would miss that favourite food anyway? Many new dieters don’t realise that you can naturally dismiss that indulgent food after increasing your levels of clean, healthy food. Our bodies and taste buds start changing, and we begin to crave those leafy greens & salmon steaks. You may be laughing at me now, but when you start to eat better 90% of the time, your body starts changing. You not only lose weight, but you also start to get a lot more energy, sleep better, and the body fat starts dropping. One day that junk food or craving will be a thing of the past. So don’t be afraid of creating a bit of distance between you and this particular junk peace. You may find it’s not your thing anymore.
I do hope this has helped you. I would love you to upvote it if you did. Please also join me on my various social platforms and do go ahead and download your Empowering habit changer guide. I’m also on Instagram.
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