Who isn’t on a diet these days? There are temptations everywhere you look. Going out to eat is a popular pastime, and the food is so good you don’t mind eating a larger portion.
When I worked in offices, someone would bring donuts at least once a week. We should have had prizes for the fastest people to hit the goodie table.
Now, that I am suffering from chronic arthritis pain, I know I need to reduce processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks.
Losing weight is not easy and there will be highs and lows along the way.
Here are five ways to deal with diet obstacles:
Family/Friends
The people who should be your biggest cheerleaders may be trying to sabotage your diet.
You are on the path to better health and they often feel you are leaving them behind. They may bring home things you are trying to avoid such as sodas, rich desserts, or fast food as a joke.
Tell them you’re learning to eat healthier and need their help.
Too Little Sleep
I am on a crazy sleep schedule. I go to bed about 9:30 p.m. and get up at 3:00 a.m. The positive thing about it is that I can get some things done while hubby is sleeping. I eat breakfast, ride my stationary bike, and catch up on computer work.
People ask me why I get up so early, because of course, I would like to sleep longer. I am experimenting with a sleep schedule, where you go to bed and wake up at the same time.
It’s a good time to pray, read something inspirational, or take a hot relaxing shower.
However, I am sleepy mid-morning and ready to take a nap. I am working on a healthier sleep schedule, but it is hard to break old habits.
Too Much Sitting
Losing weight will improve your health but you may feel deprived because you can’t eat your favorite foods. Instead of exercising you just want to sit and watch TV or play games on your computer.
The ladies I worked with would congregate in the cafeteria for breaks and lunch, and sit the entire time. My joints were stiff so I needed to keep moving. I got in a lot of extra walking, which helped me maintain my weight.
Sitting too much may contribute to health problems such as heart disease, back pain, or weaker bones and muscles.
No Game Plan
You don’t have to plan every moment of every day, but you’ll lose more weight if you take care of some things ahead of time. Make a store run and stock up on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats.
Take your lunch to work instead of hitting the pizza buffet, or getting a fast-food burger.
Use online calculators to determine the number of calories you can eat and still lose weight. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. She can break it down meal by meal and will give you some other tips and tricks.
Too Much Focus on Food
It’s tempting when you get together with your friends to talk about how many pounds you’ve lost, what foods are good and bad for a diet, or old clothes you can suddenly wear again.
At first, it may be flattering to talk about your diet success, but eventually, the focus on food may become too much, especially if you suddenly hit a diet plateau and your weight loss stops.
Steer the conversation in another direction, and ask others what is going on in their lives. People usually like to talk about themselves and it takes the focus off of you.
Summary
Try these tips out and you’ll probably come up with some more on your own. You’re on your way to a slimmer you.
