Don't overthink your diet

Why do we do it? Why do we allow our diet to get the best of us? I can't answer this for you, but let me throw out my thought. Abundance. America has been blessed tremendously with an abundant supply of...you name it! When we want something the next question is "How long will it take to get it?"

This abundant mentality has carried over to our diets. We are only minutes (sometimes seconds) away from our next "fix" whether it is a latte or a burrito.

I'm not suggesting that our abundance is a bad thing (some would disagree). What I am suggesting is that this is why "diets" have become so complex and difficult. No carbs, No fat, Low fat, No trans fats, No red meat, No sugar, Go organic...and the list goes on.

I am here to tell you that it is not this difficult, but it does take discipline. I have always taught moderation to my clients. I like simple changes that are possible with our lifestyles and possible to maintain for a lifetime. So I was pleased to read (on MSNBC.com) about a study that supported my advice. Here's a portion of what they found after only 3 weeks:

1. Skipping all soda (even diet) resulted in an avg. of 4 pounds of weight loss (high of 8 lbs).
2. Those who ate breakfast (even if not hungry) lost an avg. of 5 pounds.
3. Getting rid of all 'trigger' foods equated to an avg. of 6 pounds of weight loss (high of 10 lbs).
4. Preparing meals rather than going to a restaurant (for lunches only) accomplished the highest avg. loss of 6 pounds (high of 11lbs!)

Simple changes that require some planning and less impulsive eating will result in dramatic changes. Imagine what would happen by adding an exercise program three times a week!

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Believe that you CAN get in the best shape of your life!