5 key rules to succeed in the challenging art of weight control

Just after the typical Sunday afternoon BBQ, it is very common for people to say “I will start dieting tomorrow”. In that very moment is when I usually intervene and ask “Why dieting? Why not changing lifestyles? Why not trying mindful eating? Over the last couple of years, I have been thinking that Mondays have some kind of healing properties or magical powers, sometimes miraculous: this is for being the most common choice amongst people willing to change food habits.

From my experience, this is like hitting your head against a wall as being mindful about your eating habits on Mondays typically end up in a race to try this 52 times – yes, once a week over a year’s period; the most demotivating part is, they usually fail at very attempt.

Since I find myself denying the healing properties of Mondays, you may expect to read from this article which day of the week really works; instead, your approach should not be a sporadic thing, but flowing like an open tab throughout the whole week. This is why I prepare for you the 5 key rules to succeed in the challenging art of weight control:

1- The Faster we start, the Better: The day of the week you choose has nothing to do with the goal you are trying to achieve. You should simply understand that if you have the motivation, you should start as soon as possible.

2- Do not be a victim of your own blackmail: Change your mind. If the decision is made already, don’t let go upon goal so easily. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages (they increase appetite and the desire for more fatty foods). Do more daily exercise (even on weekends) and try to do some recreational activities that helps you burn some extra calories.

3- Plan the meals ahead: Try to make a weekly plan that allows you to have an idea of ​​what and how much to eat. This way, you avoid improvisation, which usually leads to inappropriate choices and unhealthier cravings.

4- Make a shopping list beforehand: There is nothing better than carrying out what has been planned. Try to always bring with you a shopping list with everything you need (I usually write down the list and forget to take it to the shops), so you will not buy more than what is necessary. If you’re a technology person, use your mobile phone instead, NO EXCUSES.

5- Eat first and then go to the shops: Going to the supermarket “hangry” (you are angry because you are hungry) is the worst idea you can think of. Try always to go to the shops after having one of your main meals or snacks; this way, you avoid the cravings and last minute purchases. Think with your head and not with your stomach!

These are just a few suggestions, but there are many other strategies we can discuss to achieve your goals. Feel free to leave a comment so to contribute with other great tactics you may have used or are currently using.

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