There are so many things you need to pay attention to while on a diet, so many do’s and don’ts, and all of that puts you under a lot of pressure. Not only do you have to watch what you eat, but you also got to pay attention to when, where and how. Here are 11 rules which are recommended when on a diet and which you can break with a peaceful conscience.
1. You Can’t Have Brunch
Propagators of diets claim that snacking between meals is a root of all evil. However, smart and healthy brunch can only do you good. It is ok to snack on something between meals as long as you’re doing it responsibly.
2. You Can’t Eat Greasy Food
While greasy food like fries is prohibited in any diet, fat is necessary for a healthy body. Many studies have shown that moderate consumption of fat help body absorbs nutrients from fruits and vegetables. So stay away from saturated fat and choose unsaturated like the ones found in fish, nuts, and avocado.
3. You Can’t Eat Bread
Ignore the claims that diet has to be carbohydrates free. You can eat bread, you just have to pay attention that it’s made out of whole grains. Compared to carbohydrates in white bread and candy, complex carbs in whole grain bread contain fibers which help you stay full for longer.
4. Do Not Weigh Yourself
Even though you shouldn’t think about numbers, regular weighing can really help you if you want to keep up motivation and focus. Do not forget to look at those number right, don’t get obsessive about it, and don’t let the numbers affect your confidence.
5. Lower Calorie Intake
Reduction in calories can help you lose weight, but make sure that you’re smart about it. Not all calories are the same, for example, carbs in white rice and sugar can have a bad effect on your metabolism and glucose level in your body, and if they’re overly consumed they lead to weight gain. Because of that, when you’re on the diet, replace ingredients full of sugar with complex carbs and foods rich in fiber and protein.
6. Eat Less Eggs
Many diets recommend avoiding eggs because they contain cholesterol, but certain studies proved that cholesterol from eggs has no effect on cholesterol levels in the blood. Moderate consumption of eggs can raise the level of HDL protein known as good cholesterol.
7. Drink At Least 8 Glasses Of Water A Day
Stop drinking water whenever you can just to honor this old myth and start hydrating through food. 20% of our daily needs for water come from solid foods rich in water like watermelon or green salad.
8. Avoid Red Meat
You don’t have to give up on occasional hamburger if you pay attention to your meals. Not only is it a great source of protein, but red meat is good for your skin, hair, and nails. Stay away from greasy meat which can clog your arteries.
9. You Can’t Eat Late
Don’t feel bad if you stop by the fridge at night to grab a snack. If you’re doing it while watching TV or when you’re bored, that is bad; try to trick the hunger with something like vegetable chips or maybe a fruit instead of the ice cream.
10. Eat 7 Portions Of Fruits And Vegetables A Day
Instead of this, it is ok if you split the portion with one of these things, or try to mix them to get all the nutrients you need.
11. Skip Desert
You can enjoy occasional candy but pick a low-calorie option. If you have a need for something sweet, try picking something healthy like the muesli bar.