How do you jump-start a diet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a hard time getting started, that is breaking with unhealthy foods such as eating sweets every day.

How did you manage the first days of a diet?

I know people will say that it is a lifetime commitment to healthy living, not a "diet", but I just want to know how to first break with my current unhealthy food routine. I guess it would get easier over time, once I have a new routine.

Thanks in advance.

Fill your non-eating hours with health focused podcasts or books. I find it helpful to give in to audio brainwashing during the first few days of a diet, or when I go a little off plan.

[Anonymous]

It's a big mental game. You have to come to terms and "mourn" the previous habits (and routine) of reaching for/indulging in junk food and sweets.

Some people can go cold turkey, others gradually ease into it, others allow a few exceptions to sweets/junk food, YMMV.

Also, what ate your triggers? For me, it was a large part of emotional eating (when stressed or feeling bummed out I indulged, and went for, junk food as a coping mechanism, for example). I had to change that mindset.

And yeah, that 2 week plateau is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a hard time getting started, that is breaking with unhealthy foods such as eating sweets every day.

How did you manage the first days of a diet?

I know people will say that it is a lifetime commitment to healthy living, not a "diet", but I just want to know how to first break with my current unhealthy food routine. I guess it would get easier over time, once I have a new routine.

Thanks in advance.

Fill your non-eating hours with health focused podcasts or books. I find it helpful to give in to audio brainwashing during the first few days of a diet, or when I go a little off plan.

Any suggested podcasts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a hard time getting started, that is breaking with unhealthy foods such as eating sweets every day.

How did you manage the first days of a diet?

I know people will say that it is a lifetime commitment to healthy living, not a "diet", but I just want to know how to first break with my current unhealthy food routine. I guess it would get easier over time, once I have a new routine.

Thanks in advance.

Start by eliminating soda or other sweet drinks (including diet - they aren't any better for you and are arguably worse), if you drink them, and cutting down on breads. Limit to one sweet drink a day, or week; only have bread once a day, or start by eliminating any "extra" bread like side bread with pasta or rolls with dinner, one slice of bread for a sandwich instead of two - but keep same amount of protein and veggies in the sandwich.

Add a salad to dinner every night.
Make sure you have some protein with every meal and every snack.
Thin crust pizzas.
Dark chocolate - no milk chocolate. Dark chocolate covered almonds are a fantastic way to get the chocolate satisfaction plus the almond protein/vitamins.
Snack that worked well for me and kept me satisfied until next meal: dark chocolate covered almonds, a few chunks of regular (not reduced fat) cheese, and frozen cherries.

This is how I finally got started and it didn't take very long to realize I wasn't craving sweets so much. It got easier faster than I expected.
I ended up switching to higher protein pasta when possible; but eating salad first and then only a small bowl of pasta if serving pasta for the family. I eventually found a salad and 2 slices of pizza (thin crust even better) at most was perfectly satisfying - rather than my previous no salad and 4 pieces of pizza.

[Anonymous]

I start with a day long fast. It cuts any cravings for salt, sugar, and carbs. It also means that when I end my fast, I’m Adding foods rather than taking them away. I usually do this on a weekend, so I can build in other “treats” like swimming or going to a cultural activity.

[Anonymous]

Nothing tastes as good as thin feels. Once you drop some weight and your clothes fit better, you’ll be motivated.

[Anonymous]

Weight watchers! I’m 56 and just hit menopause; just started WW again as of new year and lost 12 pounds. A consistent way to lose weight.

[Anonymous]

I think jump starting requires a certain mindset that involves embracing an extreme version of a diet that you will eventually relax a bit.

You might do better with a slow approach. Change one habit at a time. That helps you figure out what actually works for you. Some people find they are happier just not eating desserts and candy. Some people are not. I think the real goal should be finding a way to live and eat that you can live with.

[Anonymous]

Who said you have to eat lettuce and watery soup?

Download the myfitnesspal app. Set a calorie goal, a reasonable one. Not crazy restrictive.

You can eat ANYTHING that fits into that budget and you will lose weight. 1800 calories of ice cream and snickers bars. 1800 calories of steak, potatoes and vegetables. 1800 calories of chicken nuggets amd fries.

You'll obviously feel better when you eat a balance of protein, fats, and carbs. But you can also include treats. Just stay within your calorie budget (which could be more or less than 1800, based on your height and activity level).