Diet & Determination

Have you ever started a diet with enthusiasm just to find it only lasted a few weeks or just days? Your determination level can make or break your success when struggling during a diet. It’s easy to say you will stick with your diet, but staying determined takes practice.

Set Goals Beyond The Scale

Too often we rate our success in numbers, which can discourage continuing diets. A certain number on the scale doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy or unhealthy. Instead of pinning all hopes on the scale, try setting goals that aren’t quantitative. For example, your goal could be to have more natural energy throughout the day or to improve your endurance or flexibility. These changes should be the types of goals to strive for, to feel good and keep feeling good.

Surround Yourself With Health

Dieting can be difficult to do on your own. Try to find a group of people that have the same wellness goals as yourself. This is key to dieting because you will be less likely to give up your goal with the increase in accountability and encouragement. Your support group may experience the same hardships that you do, so keep them close and reach your goals together!

Be Patient

When you’re on a diet, one of the hardest qualities to have is patience. When we don’t see immediate physical changes, it can be frustrating. However, the longer you are consistent in your diet, the more dramatic the change. Things are definitely happening in your body that won’t show up on the scale. Make an effort to be patient and reach your long-term results.

Staying determined to diet can be difficult, but it can be mastered. If you ignore the numbers, commit to yourself and others, and have patience, you can succeed. If you would like help developing a nutrition and exercise plan based on your goals or just need another member on your support team, consult your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician.

Sources:

Watch Your Weight

Body Mass Index Calculator

Medical Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss