Did you know that weight loss is best achieved through ‘normal’ eating? By ditching the diets and getting back to basics, you are on the right track to improved health and weight loss. Simplifying things allows you to realistically adopt some eating habits to fit into the very demanding requirements of everyday life. Let’s face it, as your two year old throws a tanty and your baby is crying to be fed, the last thing on your mind is preparing an extravagant AND healthy meal for yourself over the next hour! It’s overwhelming at these times and not necessary if your goal is to eat well for your health.

So let’s get real.

1.    Stop Dieting if you Want to Lose Weight

You’ve probably heard that diets don’t work, so why do many women keep hoping the next one will give them the body of their dreams? Are you simply hopeful, or perhaps punishing yourself for being overweight; for not managing to lose that ‘baby fat’ with willpower? When the word ‘diet’ comes to mind, do you also think: ‘sacrifice’, ‘starvation’, ‘boredom’ and ‘willpower’? Well you’re right; there is little to be gained from dieting, apart from perhaps some extra kilos. So forget about sacrifice as your saviour and start focusing on what works long term. You can lose weight by doing things simply, by eating normally – even with a little chocolate thrown into the mix!

2.    Beliefs

Have you ever stopped to think that your eating habits aren’t helping you to achieve your goals? If it’s not working, it’s time for a little change. And you can do just that – change things a little at a time. Say the words: “If millions of others can change their lives for the better, I can too”. Seriously, if the low fat/ low carb/ lemon detox/ starvation diet isn’t working (surprise, surprise), take some comfort in the knowledge that how you lose weight is easier and much more enjoyable than you ever thought… start by changing your mind.

3.    Change Your Mind

Now that you have released yourself from the grips of diets in your mind, direct your thoughts to viewing things in a positive light. For example: “I am going to feel better when I change my eating a little”, “I no longer have to rely on willpower to lose weight” and “I am implementing some simple

strategies for great health (and a smaller waistline) for the rest of my life”. And don’t forget the follow-on effect. Your family will pick up on these great beliefs and start to emulate your actions.

4.    Proteins, fats and carbohydrates may need to be viewed a little differently

Do you believe eating fat makes you fat, rice crackers will keep you trim and a single piece of chocolate cake will add weight to your hips? Well, these firmly-held beliefs just aren’t true. Good fats aid weight loss, rice crackers are empty carbohydrates that don’t satisfy you and the occasional piece of cake is a normal part of life, to be enjoyed. The issue here is to begin to understand that proteins, fats and carbohydrates are all needed on a regular basis, just in a predominately natural, clean state. So begin by thinking of real food as the foundation, not as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods that affect your waistline.

So for now, it’s time to return to simple eating from natural food sources – the ground, trees and perhaps from animals – if you’re in it for results. We will explore in more detail what foods to eat once we have covered the vital ingredients (excuse the pun) of how to eat.

Are you ready to make things easier for weight loss and a new body? I hope so, because it’s just around the corner. Stay tuned…

Coming up: “Eat When You’re Hungry to Really Lose Weight”