Last Updated on December 5, 2018 by MarcyPro
Starting a new diet is never easy. You will want to cheat and even give up at times, but just remember the reason you started. To help you stay on track with your 2016 fitness goals , we’ve compiled a list of 10 Diet Tips for the New Year.
- Start slow
Don’t overwhelm yourself when you’re just getting started with a new diet. Ease into it so you don’t feel a strong urge to give up. Taking baby steps toward a healthier diet will allow your body to gradually adjust to a healthier, happier lifestyle. At first, try working designated diet days into your week or slowly incorporating healthier foods into your daily meals and snacks.
- Stock your fridge with healthy food and quick meals
This may sound easier than it actually is. There are so many tempting, unhealthy items at the grocery store that it can be difficult leaving without at least a bag of chips or a candy bar. Make your trips to the grocery store a challenge to leave with only healthy food that you can eat throughout the week or, better yet, take a trip to the nearest farmers market where you can buy tons of affordable and delicious fruits, vegetables and other food items. When you’re at home, try to preplan meals and have some quick options waiting to avoid the urge to visit the nearest fast food restaurant.
- Eat small meals throughout the day
Eating too many calories will prevent you from losing weight and getting in shape. However, it can be easy to overconsume calories when you are always hungry, so keeping your belly feeling full throughout the day is essential to any diet program. Replacing your typical three meals with four to five smaller meals will keep you from getting so hungry that your judgement is compromised when you are deciding what to eat.
- Eat more fiber
Fiber and protein are key components of any healthy meal. High fiber and lean protein will both lower your cholesterol and improve your digestion so that you can look and feel healthier. Beans, whole grains and many different fruits and vegetables are all great sources of fiber.
- Eat a lot of protein
Protein is great at leaving you feeling full and satisfied, which is why it should be your best friend on your dieting journey. Healthier proteins like lean meat, eggs and seafood all help to burn fat and preserve muscle mass.
- Watch what you drink
Energy drinks, sodas and even some juice drinks are loaded with sugar and other ingredients that can be damaging to your health. Even diet sodas will not only stunt weight loss but they can also be damaging to your bones. Try to substitute these beverages for water, tea, natural juice and milk.
- Exercise
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. If you eat as healthy as possible and sit on the couch all day you probably aren’t going to get the results you’re looking for. Additionally, working out before a big meal can boost your metabolism to ensure proper digestion so you get the most out of your nutrients. Read our article 8 Tips for Sticking to Your Fitness Plan to find out more about how to accomplish your health goals and visit marcypro.com to browse and order an array of affordable and effective home gym products.
- Get some sleep
A lack of sleep can cause both stress and a bigger appetite. To minimize the urge to snack throughout the day, we recommend getting a healthy seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Diet with a partner
Setting goals with someone who has similar diet and health aspirations for you is a great way to stay motivated and committed. Check in with you partner on a regular basis and if you are able to attend meals together it will be easier to resist the urge to cheat on your diet.
- Keep at it
A truly healthy body takes a lot of hard work and dedication but, like most things, it will become easier with time. If you feel the need to cheat on your diet, don’t worry, nothing is too harmful when consumed in moderation.