4 Ways to Achieving a Healthy Eating Lifestyle (and sticking with it!)

By now you are probably aware that the term, eat clean, has nothing to do with washing your food and has everything to do with eating in a way that promotes fat loss. 

While it may sound simple enough, it's pretty challenging to stick with a clean eating plan. I suppose if it were easy then everyone would be lean and confident about their body. 

So what's the secret to long-term, healthy success? Here it is... 

#1: Keep It Balanced So many fat loss strategies out there have you eliminating certain foods like carbs or fats completely out of your diet. These programs can give you short term results but they are really hard to commit to. 

The Truth is no one sticks with highly restrictive, one-food-only diets for very long, and you're no exception. To make your clean eating plan last, keep your diet balanced with a range of healthy, real foods.

 Avoid things that say "diet" and "low fat" and reach for the whole food option. Carbs aren't bad for you, you may just be eating the wrong kinds and amounts!

#2: Don't Put a Label On It How many times have you mentioned the words I'm on a diet? In this age of social media we tend to express our selves all the time.

This kind of over expression can cause you to get some not so positive feedback from your coworkers or family members who are not yet strong enough to undergo the fat loss journey that you are currently on. 

If your plan is to truly make a life style change then avoid announcing that you are on any type of "diet." Instead focus on changing your thinking pattern so choosing the healthiest options because ingrained in your brain.


#3: Have Patience You didn't gain all that weight in a week....so don't think you're going to lose it in a week either!

When I first work with individuals with a huge weight loss goal I ask them two things.

1- What is your main over all goal?

2- What is your 14 Day goal?

True fat loss is about 1-3 pounds per week depending on a few factors. How heavy you are to start, your exercises history and your dedication all determine how many pounds of fat per week you can lose.

We want people to be excited about the end goal but focus on a smaller, obtainable goal that we can measure every two weeks to help keep them motivated for the long haul.

You also have to be accepting of the fact that sometimes you won't see the scale move one week and know that even know a number didn't change, you are still making progress!

Weighing your self every day is also a big no-no. It's easy to get discouraged when you don't see progress happening. That is why we suggest you weigh in once every 2 weeks. Fat loss sometimes is a compounding effect and you won't see the fruits of your labor until the last few days.
#4: Have a Plan Planing is without a doubt the most important part of any healthy eating program!

You may have heard the saying "If you fail to plan....you PLAN to fail." Nothing holds more true especially in the realm of health and fitness.

You may have the best intentions to eat perfect throughout the day but if you don't take any steps to secure it, then you can fall to being a victim of your circumstances. 

If you don't wake up and make breakfast you have more of a chance to reach for a donut at the office or a muffin with your coffee at 7-11. The same thing goes for prepping lunch when the rest of your coworkers are going out for pizza. 

Staying on track is all about being proactive rather than reactive. It's easier to say no to tacos (Just kidding, it's never easy to say no to tacos) for lunch when you already have your delicious and healthy meal waiting for you in the fridge. 

Check back here weekly for more nutrition and fitness tips!