How to lose weight, the healthy way.

"But, aren't you on a diet?"

A sentence that I hate hearing. "How is your diet going?" "Oh does your diet allow you to eat that?" Here's the thing: the word "diet" has been accepted by society as something people do to lose weight. When they are at their goal weight, they stop their "diet". And you know what happens 80% of the time? They gain the weight right back.

Guess what, let's recondition your brains a little here: a diet does not mean eating less, restriction. Diet: the sum of food consumer by an organism or group. Every single person on this planet has a diet, because every single person on this earth consumes food. They are not "on a diet", but neither are people that are trying to losing weight. I think the verb "dieting" is the most retarded verb in the English language.

I am not on a diet, I eat healthy. Big difference there. Being on a diet, referring to it as a diet and thinking of it as a diet (which is temporary), will lead to gaining the weight back. So how do you approach it?

First step: educate yourself. This is something everyone that wants to be healthy and/or lose weight should do. You can't lose weight, maintain it AND be healthy if you aren't telling yourself the truth.You need to know what is truly good for you and what is not. Which foods do you need on a daily basis? What are proteins, carbs and fats? What should I add to my diet when I work out? These were all things I read up on. A lot. For example, I knew I had to up my protein, so I got protein powder. I learned about complex and refined carbs. I now know that complex carbs are good and simple carbs are bad (blog coming soon!).

Source

Second step: do not restrict. So, you are a human being and you most likely love eating cake, cookies, pizza, rice, potatoes, spaghetti. Are these good for you? Hell no. Should you never eat them again? Hell no! Confusing, huh? I believe that moderation is key. I believe that 1 or 2 cookies a week isn't going to make you fat. 1 pizza a month is not going to live on your hips. There are 21 meals in a week. If only one of those is a cheat meal (pasta, potatoes, rice, PIZZA), that is 5% of your meals. Nothing, right? It is not going to make you fat. As long as your brain is strong and is able to tell you: get back to eating healthy. You can enjoy anything you want. In moderation.

Third step: experiment. "Oh no, lettuce, not again!" Sure, you can mix a bowl of lettuce with tomatoes, carrots, sprinkle some low-fat dressing on there and have that as your diner... The thought of it makes me want to die. I will never, ever, eat like that. And you don't have to. Experiment with your food! Don't be afraid of olive oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper, throw in some lean beef, chicken, pine seeds and for the heck of it, why don't you take a table spoon of honey and mix it in? Already sounds better, huh? Just like the protein shakes that I have for breakfast every single morning. How many times have I not heard people say, protein powder is nasty. Yes, I have tried the powder with some milk - not good. So, here is a tip that will make you go whaaatt? (or maybe not) Throw in a banana (whaaatt?), some frozen berries (whaaatt?) and a tablespoon of (preferably natural) peanut butter (omg, for real, Noelle?). I will bet you a thousand bucks you won't mind drinking THAT shake for breakfast every day.

Fourth step: create a routine. Your body works best on a routine, and you will be more likely to stick to a pattern if you make it a routine. I, for example, eat 5-6 times a day - 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and diner) and 2-3 snacks. I try to eat at set times, even though that doesn't always work because of classes or whatever. I try to keep 2-3 hours between every meal/snack. You have to keep your metabolism up and running in order to burn fat, so you better not starve yourself. Never, ever skip a meal!! And also, try to never skip your snacks, again your body needs food in order for you to lose weight. As weird as it sounds, isn't that good news, though? ;)