5 Ways to Kick Start a New Diet and Stick to It!

A New Year always brings new ambitions and resolutions to kick start the new 365 calendar days on the best note possible. With 2021 being a particularly tough year for a number of us, facing uncertainty with future plans, increased health concerns, and of course, too many lockdowns that we’d care to remember, it’s no wonder our bodies may have ended up paying the price by gaining a pound or two amongst all the added stress. 

The idea of adopting a new diet and embracing a healthy, balanced eating plan may seem like a very daunting thought that only adds more stress as we enter 2022, but we are here to tell you it doesn’t need to be such an anxiety-filled process. We have put together 5 simple ways to maintain and even enjoy a sustainable and nourishing eating plan for the year ahead. 

  1. Whole foods make for a rich diet 

The majority of sustainable and successful healthy diets contain a number of whole foods as they tend to keep you fuller for longer. Whole foods are also minimally processed, so you are sure to be getting the best kind of nutrients from these foods, such as:

  • Vegetables 
  • Whole grains 
  • Fruits 
  • Eggs and dairy 
  • Seeds and nuts 
  • Fresh animal proteins 
How to Store Vegetables to Keep Them Fresh Longer

Whole food diets have been linked to better health outcomes, particularly when compared to supplements and fad diets. These types of foods are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre which all support a healthy guy and can create a significant reduction for diseases such as diabetes and obesity. 

  1. Don’t be shortsighted 

One of the most important questions to ask yourself when considering a new diet is, “can I do this long term?” 

If you are finding the answer to be no, then you can quickly find yourself on your way to a crash diet. Even though you may obtain rapid weight loss results from a crash diet, they usually rely on very extreme calorie restrictions to do so. 

The main issue with crash diets is that they don’t tend to last very long. Over time, the majority of people will regain the weight they lost back again in a short space of time. 

Diets that are rich in whole foods (as previously mentioned) tend to be the most sustainable and help in adopting healthy habits while eating a nutritious and satisfying diet. Try to focus less on weight loss and focus more on sticking to a healthy meal plan. 

  1. Snacks aren’t such a bad thing 

It’s in those moments of sudden hunger that we often find ourselves tempted towards a tasty treat and completely forget about the healthy diet we had initially planned for the day. 

Getting those food cravings from time to time is totally normal, and it’s in those moments of extreme hunger that cravings may seem slightly stronger than usual. 

That’s why it may be a good idea to keep a supply of filling and nutritious snacks somewhere nearby as a way of keeping those cravings at bay until it is time for your next full meal. There are several snack options that are high in protein and fibre to keep you feeling full for longer, such as:

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Yogurt 
  • Fresh fruit & veg 
  • Popcorn 
  • Hummus 
25 Healthy Snacks That Are Fast & Easy – Kayla Itsines
  1. Figure out the best diet for you 

Different diets work differently for each individual. This is down to our unique characteristics and circumstances, such as genetics, health, day to day schedules, as well as much more.

There is no single diet that can seamlessly accommodate so many factors for an individual and still be effective. 

The main thing to remember is, the “best” healthy meal plan and most sustainable diet for you is the one that helps you feel your very best and one you can stick with for the foreseeable future. 

  1. Don’t be afraid to lean on professional help and advice

Deciding to embrace and commit to a new, healthy lifestyle can be a challenging and intimidating process. There are so many diets out there to choose from, you may feel overwhelmed and confused before you’ve even started!

The good news is you don’t have to go through it alone. Trained nutritionists can help you along your journey and help figure out the best path for you to take. Registered dietitians can also provide you with tailored meal plans that meet your dietary needs and are safe in terms of specific intolerances and conditions. 
If you are considering trying a new diet and would like some professional advice and guidance, please get in touch with us here at Nutriprep and we can get you on your way to a healthier and happier lifestyle!

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