Top 5 TDF New Year Diet Tips from Total Diet Food

Jan. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- But of those who’ve made a resolution, only 8% actually achieve it.

It’s obvious why we choose to do it at New Year, but it may not actually be the best time to achieve change. You’ve probably overindulged on both food and alcohol over the Christmas period, which may be another reason to start a diet, but it means you’re trying to cut back from a harder place than normal.

And it’s smack in the middle of the dark winter period, with the excitement of Christmas over and nothing to look forward to until summer returns. Even those of us not affected by SAD can find it harder to get motivated during these months.

So what’s the secret to a successful New Year diet? How do you beat the winter blues and make sure you’re part of the 8%?

Part of it is down to the way you think about it. Most resolutions are about giving something up. Don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t eat. But psychological studies show that the more we think about not doing something, the more likely we are to do it. Try not thinking about an elephant.

Plus, depriving yourself of something, especially if it’s something you have a lot, can lead to bingeing. Many people don’t feel they have the willpower to stick with a diet. So here’s our top 5 simple tips that will help you stick to your resolution without having to rely on your self-control.

1 Small Steps – going cold turkey is easy in the week after Christmas! But stopping suddenly is not a successful method. If it’s something addictive you’re giving up, like caffeine, you’ll struggle with withdrawal symptoms that will likely tip you off the wagon. Instead, try gradually cutting down, or don’t eat it during the week, but allow yourself to indulge (not overindulge) at the weekend.

And don’t try too many changes at once. Take one thing at a time, until it becomes a habit, and then focus on the next one. If you have lots of things you want to tackle, why not spread them over the year, with a month for each resolution. Develop one new thing at a time and by the end of the year, your diet will be the model of health and it’ll feel easy.

2 Drink Water – it’s amazing how many people don’t drink enough water, but it can do more for us than just hydration. Feeling peckish mid-morning? Have a glass of water. It can help us to feel fuller, and reduce those cravings. Heavy pop drinker? You know how much sugar is in those drinks, and you know what it’s doing to you. So why not try water instead. If you want some flavour in it, add a splash of cordial, or better yet, crush a slice of lemon or your favourite fruit into it.

3 Colours Not Calories – Calorie counting is confusing and a chore. So is trying to work out what nutrients you’re getting in your meals. So choose your fruit and veg by colour instead. Get a good range of different colours into your meals and you’ll probably be getting a good balance of important nutrients. It’s easier than making the calculations, and your plate will look fantastic.

4 Be Snack Aware – much snacking is down to boredom or inactivity. It’s just something to do. So if you feel peckish, find something to keep you busy. It’s amazing how often you’ll forget you were hungry. But if you do need to snack, have healthy alternatives to hand. Dark chocolate is less sugary and will fill you up on smaller portions than milk chocolate. Dried fruits can satisfy your sweet cravings.

5 Buddy Up – find someone to do the diet with you, or consider joining a slimming club or similar support group. Any activity you do is easier with other people. You’ll have company and support, someone to compare thoughts and ideas with, and someone to provide inspiration and encouragement.

We can help too – by taking all the thought and effort out of it. Tell us your health aims, and we’ll provide a calorie-matched food plan specifically for you, all your meals and snacks for the day, freshly cooked and delivered to your door.