5 Tips for Sticking to a Diet Plan

Losing weight is sometimes difficult, but there are some things that you can do that will make sticking to a diet plan a little easier. Ask your family for support so they can help you to stay on track. With a little self-discipline and support, you should be able to reach your weight loss target.

1. Write Down Your Weight Loss Goal

If you have a certain target weight that you want to reach, write down your goal on a piece of paper and put it on the front of your refrigerator. You may also want to take a picture of yourself and place it right next to your weight goal. Every time you feel like straying from your diet, these items will be there to remind you that you should not open the refrigerator.

2. Spread Out Your Meals

If one of the main reasons that you have trouble sticking to a diet plan is that you always seem to be hungry, by eating smaller meals more often during the day you can control your appetite. Divide your daily calorie intake into five or six small meals. Make the first three meals slightly larger than the final two. Try not to eat for at least five hours before you go to sleep each night. If you normally get seven hours of sleep, that is 12 hours without food which will help your body to thoroughly digest what you have eaten during the day.

3. Vary the Foods that You Eat

If you eat the same boring meals day after day, by varying your meal selection you can stay on track to reach your weight loss goals. Buy a recipe book and choose some meals that look good. Find ways to make these meals less fattening, such as using low fat cheeses or simply reducing portion sizes. You may also want to cook a different meal each day, instead of making a large dish that you have to eat over two or three days.

4. Drink More Water

If you increase the amount of water that you drink, you will not always feel hungry. Buy some bottles of water that come in different flavors, and mix them with regular tap water. Each time you feel the urge to eat before your next regular mealtime, drink a large glass of the mixed water. If you are still hungry, drink another glass. Eventually your body will adjust and you will be able to maintain control of your appetite.

5. Start an Exercise Program

One of the best things about performing a regular exercise routine is that you can actually eat more food and still continue to lose weight. Exercising will not only make you healthier, it can help you to stay on target to reach your weight loss goals. Do some cardiovascular work several times a week, such as running or riding a bicycle. Wear a watch so you can time your workouts. Eat a small nutritional meal after you train, and be sure to drink plenty of water.

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