If you want to make positive changes that last, it’s important to identify food traps – those innocent choices that smash your calorie budget. For example, did you know that a banana muffin can cost you a quarter of your daily calorie budget? You also need to know your overeating triggers, like social eating or TV snacking, and the types of foods that always leave you wanting more. At Atlanta Endocrine, our coaches are experts at helping you identify and overcome these triggers and food traps. They’ve shared some tips to help you stay on a successful diet plan.
Retrain your brain.
Healthier habits happen with repetition – continuing to stick to your plan will become your new normal. Say “yes” to staying full. If you’re choosing foods that are part of your weight loss program, you never have to be hungry. Fill up on low calorie healthy foods and skip the high calorie foods that will make you gain weight.
Make a shift with snacks.
Whether you’re eating out of hunger or habit, make it easier to choose snacks that satisfy your cravings and still support your weight loss goal by having them readily available. Think ahead. Most people have no idea what they’re going to have for dinner tonight, much less the rest of the day! Planning your meals and snacks is key to staying on track.
Anchor your plate with vegetables.
Don’t eat less. Eat better! Cover more than half your plate with veggies. Practice out of sight, out of mind. Remove the temptation altogether. Keep the foods that trigger you most out of sight—and out of the house—so you can’t be tempted to have “just one bite.”
Stay strong.
Veering off your plan, even just a little, is never a clever idea. Once you allow one slip up, the pattern usually continues. Never assume there will be something healthy “there.” It’s astonishing how many calories are in the average sit-down restaurant meal—even more than most fast foods. Just one portion can undo several days of challenging work! When it comes to eating right, knowledge is power. And prevention is key. With solid planning and a weight loss program that keeps you prepared, it’ll be easier not to fall for food traps or succumb to triggers.
Our program will keep you full of healthy foods that keep you progressing towards your goals. We will also help you replace old patterns with new, healthier habits as you retrain yourself to respond differently to triggers and beat them. It takes a serious commitment to change your relationship with food. And we’re seriously committed to helping you do it.
If you’re struggling with weight loss, you need the help of an obesity medicine specialist.
