Here’s the problem with “diets” and the latest eating [or ‘NOT eating’] fad:

Most of them are not meant to be long term. Unless of course, you’re using one of my healthy eating plans, which are neither a diet or a fad. 😉
Because when you finish those short term diets, you are still left with possible unhelpful eating habits that were not changed.

A set of recipes does not create a lifelong weight management solution. 
It’s all in the ‘lessons’ that should go with your programme so you learn how to prep for busy weeknights, what to order when you’re at a restaurant, how to make suitable food substitutions, how to overcome cravings, how to balance meals because really: you can’t keep following someone’s recipes or strict rules forever.

And have you noticed? When we try to stick to a super-specific program or rigid prescription, many things can – and do – go wrong.

✔️ You don’t stick to it like you are supposed to (because we’re human and we have busy lives!)
✔️ You follow it too perfectly (but it becomes frustrating, boring and too restrictive. This invites people to break out of their ‘diet prison’ and start binging.)
✔️ You follow the plan for a while but don’t really enjoy it so it is not a sustainable long term option. Which it should be.

When we sign up for a program that doesn’t offer personalised support or go on a ‘diet’ sometimes we might misinterpret the plan, or we still eat some unhelpful foods on the side because we get too hungry.
And if we are hoping it won’t make much of a difference, it usually does.
Instead of analysing what went wrong, we like to vilify the program because it’s uncomfortable to ask ourselves the hard questions as to why we are not seeing the results we expected.
And then?
We hop on to the next diet hoping it will be much better.

If you are relying on a plan that only provides strict recipes and no teachings or support, or where you don’t have any input into recipes and decision-making, then you are relying on something external.

That external reliance can actually disconnect you from the wisdom of your own mind and body.

So, let’s stop jumping from diet to diet.
Instead, let’s find what works for your unique body and your lifestyle because that will be sustainable.

Ask yourself… “Could I eat this way next month? Next year?” The answer should be a resounding yes.  Otherwise, the plan is not for you.
Let’s assume you have issues with low blood sugar where you often feel shaky and light-headed if you don’t eat for long periods. Then intermittent fasting is not for you.

Do you have heart disease or diabetes in your family? Then the high-fat KETO diet isn’t a good choice.
Have you been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome? Or are in menopause? Then very often a high starch solution isn’t the perfect solution.

And let’s be real for a second: changing how we eat forever is hard. So take small steps first and celebrate each dietary improvement. There’s no need to strive for perfection from day 1.
Look for progress, not perfection. 

To make lasting changes, understand your own unique body and your likes and dislikes plus look at your relationship with food.

Keeping a food journal can be really helpful.  You’ll be able to see which foods keep you feel fuller for longer and make you feel better.

Keep track of meals that keep you hungry or cause cravings for sweets.  And don’t forget to take notes of the times you’re likely to use food to overcome stress. This will assist you to work on a contingency plan to overcome those situations.

So don’t look for shortcuts, but choose a sensible ‘forever way’ of eating which supports your health and fits into your lifestyle.
Like low-fat plant-based plan focusing on colourful produce.
Click here to try a free 3-day mini-plan to see if a moderate starch whole food plant-based eating suits you.

If you have any questions about it, please meet me in our Facebook group so I can help you.