There’s no doubt we tend to overcomplicate food and reasonability so due to the massive flux of information given to us on a daily basis. Just think of the billboards, magazine articles, radio advertisements and gabber from our friends of the latest diet trend.
We’re taught fat loss is supposed to be achievable and sustainable in a very short period of time, aren’t we? I mean, just look at the magazine covers above? Haha, drop 10 pounds fast, okay sure no problem and then just gain it right back right? I say it all the time and I will say it again, the only way to successful weight loss is CONSISTENCY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PATIENCE. Unlike all the magazine articles that show us other wise, our body is meant to lose weight when it’s ready to lose weight and when we decide to work hard and give it time to reap the benefits.
So, what does this look like and how on earth can we create sustainable eating habits that last long term? Not just this, “Oh, I’ll eat salads for the next 2 weeks to drop weight before the beach and then I’ll go back to eating normal again.”
What’s normal to us is completely different to what’s normal for someone else. That’s why there is no cookie cutter diet plan that works for everyone. Need some sustainability in your diet?
Focusing on these 3 things will help guide you in the right direction.
- We have to like how we eat. I know it sounds silly, like, of course we have to like how we eat, but many of us don’t! Think about how often we eat food we don’t enjoy because either our friend is doing it and losing weight or because we’re told it’s good for us? They could even say dirt is good for us and I can guarantee people would start eating it. As I mention in other posts on my FB, I try the combo effect. For example, maybe you are not a big fan of leafy greens but you love Ranch Dressing? How about making a salad with dark leafy greens with some Ranch Dressing drizzled on top? I had this for lunch today as a matter of fact. 🙂
Ranch, greens, protein and all and it was delicious! Food isn’t meant to be boring and bland all the time, otherwise we will never stay consistent. I think that’s such a big piece of what’s missing in all of this diet and weight loss talk, no one ever talks about what works for us or what we’re in the mood to eat, they’re always promoting their next meal or frozen food dish.
2. Find the middle ground. Prime example, let’s say you’re going out to eat and you LOVE bread, wine and dessert but you’re trying to watch your waistline? Instead of doing the all or nothing mindset, why not pick 1 or 2 versus 3? So if you’re in the mood for dessert and bread, how about nicking the wine? Maybe you LOVE pasta with heavy cream sauce. Instead of covering the pasta in cheese and heavy cream, what if you got it on the side? Little changes like that can go a long way, I promise. It’s those small little milestones that add up over time. Slow and steady always wins the race. Be patient with these small achievements and before you know it, it will pay off tenfold.
3. Make and create foods that are quick and simple. There’s no need to make these lavish meals 3 times a day, instead why not make a bulk of something? One of my favorites is Chicken Salad.
Boil 2-4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts and drain. Wait to cool and then shred the chicken into small pieces and put in a large bowl. Add 1 TBSP real mayo, 1 small container of greek yogurt, large handful of grapes and some crushed walnuts, salt and pepper and you’re good to go! I love this because this protein option lasts me for days and I can put it on top of a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
You can also boil a half a dozen eggs to snack on, chop some veggies and cook some potatoes in advance, this way you’re more inclined to come home and eat what you prepared versus calling it a day and going out to eat for the 10th day in a row.
If you’re interested in 7 more of these sustainable eating tips, check out my 10 bulletproof ways to stay consistent with your food HERE.
Have a great week!
xo
Kim