 Moderation is key to good diet
As we reach the end of the holiday season, you may be thinking about how to get back on plan in a couple of weeks. You don't have to make any commitments right now, but here are some thoughts to keep in mind.
Moderation is always preferable over elimination. As soon as you tell yourself you can't have something, that food is all you'll want. Are you currently inhaling pies and cookies with the thought that you won't eat any sweets for the first six months of 2011? Why not slow down a bit now, and plan for a treat or two per week after the holidays are over? A small amount of sugary foods is OK now and then.
People often try to eliminate fat. Our bodies need fat to function. The key is to choose good fats and limit them. Fat makes you feel fuller. A handful of almonds or a teaspoon of olive oil to sauté your veggies can help keep the hunger pangs away. In addition, those good fats will help raise your good cholesterol and aid digestion. And they taste good, too.
Watch your calories, make sure you eat enough. When you don't eat enough calories, you get so hungry that you create out-of-control bingeing. There is also a point of diminishing return on calorie restriction. For most people, 1,200-1,500 calories per day is an acceptable range for weight loss. This is a level that will keep you from feeling as though you are starving, but still allow you to lose weight. If you are unsure, check with your doctor.
If you create a moderate, livable food plan for yourself, you will be able to stick to it and will be more successful.
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