Follow our six-step plan for a healthy diet makeover.
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Beginning today, write down everything you eat, along with the calorie and fat counts. And be honest. (Yes, every M&M matters!) Recent research shows that would-be losers (weight losers, that is) who record what they eat shed twice as much as those who don’t. Keep your record as a list and note how you feel. As your habits improve in the coming weeks, you’ll have an inspiring record to reread.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center surveyed 1,450 people and found that those who read labels ate significantly less fat than those who didn’t bother.
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Do you really need to lose weight? Don’t go by outdated weight charts. Find out for sure by determining your body mass index (BMI) using our handy BMI Calculator.
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Rather than having your big meal just before you plop down to watch TV at night, have it for breakfast or lunch. Sometimes all you need to do to lose weight is eat more in the first half of the day and less in the second half when you are not as active. (Hint: Use smaller dinner plates so that servings appear larger.)
You can’t eat well unless you have the right ingredients. Whenever you can, shop at farmers’ markets. (Hint: Colour equals nutrients. In general, select the most colourful fresh fruits and vegetables that you can find.)
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When you set out to make major lifestyle changes, it’s important to set interim goals, and then put some fun into it by planning rewards! For example, after completing a week’s worth of food diary entries, buy yourself a hardcover bestseller you’ve been eager to read instead of waiting for it to come out in paperback.