The “Diet” Word
Everyone seems to hate the “diet” word. To many, it translates to “doing without”, “too restrictive” even “deprivation.” It should be a positive word, not a negative one . It should be a way of life and fuel for energy, health and continued feelings of youth. It is something we can control in an uncontrollable world and it is the most important way to control our personal future. A poor diet too frequently will result in obesity, lethargy, poor health and ultimately, low self esteem and lowered energy. But, how do you find a healthy diet balance without feeling like you are doing without?
PLAN- You have to prepare and plan. Don’t go to the grocery store hungry but think through when, how and what you want to eat for the week. Make a list of exactly what you need and make a weekly event (or daily, or bi-weekly, whatever works!) and stick to your list.
BACK UP PLANS- Sometimes meetings go longer then expected, traffic delays stop us, reservations and friends run late… ALWAYS have healthy options stashed in your bag, your car and your desk. Having “go to snacks “on hand are a MUST to help you avoid the office candy stash or quick fast food runs! Examples of healthy “go to” snacks to stash are almonds, protein bars, apples, whey protein and a shaker cup, tuna packets, and trail mix.
EAT FREQUENTLY! Don’t ever let yourself get to “starving” and don’t ever let yourself get “uncomfortably 
stuffed”. Eating small mini meals 5-6 times a day keeps your blood sugar regulated, your hunger at bay and keeps your body working as a fat burning machine!
EAT balanced meals. Make sure all of your meals contain a balance of healthy carbs, healthy fats and proteins and that your portion sizes are appropriate. Healthy food can still make you gain weight if the portions are too large.
Don’t deprive! It is ok to have your favorite foods once and a while as long as you don’t over-do it. I LOVE chocolate and definitely have some most days. The key word is “some” 1 small piece of dark chocolate satisfies the craving if I have eaten balanced meals the rest of the day.
CHEAT MEALS If you LOVE ice-cream, pizza, whatever… plan a day where you allow yourself to have your favorite meal. But this is only ok if you are strict the rest of the time. Decide to have the REAL thing in a normal portion and do it just that day. If you cheat but have “fake alternatives” you will still crave the real thing and feel deprived!
Apply the 80/20 rule. If you do what is right 80% of the time, majority rules! -Natalie Jill
To apply these rules and LOSE WEIGHT look HERE. For some great healthy recipe ideas that taste great too take a look HERE
About Natalie Jill
Natalie Jill helps people across the globe reach their health, fitness, life and business goals. Natalie is a well known Licensed Sports Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer who was diagnosed as having Celiac Sprue over 12 years ago, and that is why she specializes in weight loss consulting and helping people with food allergies and intolerance’s. Learn how Natalie handled adversity and find out how she "made her own luck". Ready to change your life today? Start by CLICKING HERE.
