As personal trainers, we know how important a solid nutrition plan is to helping people lose weight. Understanding diets is easy - it’s sticking to them that’s the hard part!
Dietary discipline is key to reaching your fitness and health goals. It’s easy to slip up, especially with so many unhealthy food options around, but staying disciplined doesn’t have to be that difficult. Here are nine practical ways to help you stay on track with your weight loss goals…
1. If You Struggle with Choices, Use Fasting
Intermittent fasting can be an excellent tool for those who find it hard to make consistent food choices throughout the day. The beauty of fasting lies in its simplicity—either you’re eating or you’re not. This black-and-white approach removes the constant decision-making process about when and what to eat, making it easier to avoid unhealthy snacks and stick to balanced meals during your eating windows.
2. Opt for Fruit Instead of Dessert
For many, the temptation of a sugary dessert can derail an otherwise healthy meal. Instead, opt for fruit as your post-meal treat. Fruit offers a sweet fix without the high-calorie count. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s also rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier and more nutrient-dense option. A fruit salad or a few pieces of your favourite fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your dietary goals.
3. Prepare Lunch in Advance
Preparation is key when trying to stick to a healthy diet, especially when you’re on the go. By preparing your lunch in advance, you not only save money but also eliminate the need to rely on fast food or high-calorie options. Pre-planning gives you control over your portion sizes and helps ensure you stay within your calorie limits for the day.
4. Hydrate Fully
Many people mistake thirst for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Drinking enough water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps you feel fuller. Water takes up space in your stomach, potentially curbing cravings, and ensures your body functions optimally. Staying hydrated also benefits your skin, digestion, and overall energy levels.
5. Always Keep Good Food Options to Hand
If you’re prone to snacking, it’s a good idea to stay one step ahead by having healthy snacks readily available. Stock up on options like fruit, jerky, boiled eggs, or protein shakes, which provide nutrition without the excess calories. Keeping these healthier choices on hand will help you avoid reaching for crisps or biscuits when hunger strikes.
6. Batch Cook Meals
Batch cooking is a great way to stay disciplined with your diet. By preparing meals in large quantities, you ensure that there’s always something healthy and convenient to eat at home. When you’re tired or unmotivated to cook, having pre-cooked meals in the fridge or freezer can prevent you from ordering takeaway or reaching for processed, unhealthy options.
7. Plan Ahead
Life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan for days when you might be out of the house or working late. Having a pre-cooked meal ready to go or a plan for how to manage your calorie intake can make all the difference. Without a plan, it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating high-calorie meals that may not fit into your diet.
8. Get Plenty of Sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the biggest enemies of willpower and dietary discipline. Poor sleep can increase cravings for sugar and junk food, making it harder to stay on track with your diet. Sleeping well makes it easier to resist these temptations, and as a bonus, if you’re asleep, you’re not eating!
9. Drink Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Social occasions can sometimes lead to overeating or poor food choices, especially when alcohol is involved. Drinking non-alcoholic drinks such as non-alcoholic beer, can help you avoid the extra calories from alcohol and prevent impaired judgement, which can lead to poor food decisions. Non-alcoholic drinks are also less likely to leave you with a hangover, meaning you’re more likely to stick to your dietary goals the next day.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can improve your dietary discipline and make it easier to stick to your fitness and health goals. Remember, consistency is key—small changes can lead to big results over time.
Want to improve your health and fitness? Let the AdMac Fitness Personal Trainers help…
AdMac Fitness has been helping the people of East London transform their health and fitness for nearly a decade.
We help people using tried and tested fitness approaches. Our expert team of personal trainers, based in both Bow and South Woodford can help you get a grip of your health forever. With our guidance and experience, you can relax knowing that your fitness journey is going to be guided by some of the best personal trainers in East London.
For more information on who we are, what we do and how we can help you achieve your health and fitness goals, contact us on… 07921465108 or email us at admacfitness@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our locations are…
AdMac Fitness: Arch 457 Robeson St, London E3 4JA
AdMac Fitness South Woodford: Unit 4 Marlborough Business Centre, 96 George Lane, South Woodford, London, E18 1AD