Three Keys To Unlocking A Successful Lifestyle Diet

By Amanda Turner MS, RD | August 14, 2015

Key 1: Do not make food your enemy. Food is essential fuel that powers many of the biochemical processes in your body. When we consume energy-producing macro nutrients (think complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats) they are broken down and turned into energy (ATP) that our body uses in order to properly function on a daily basis. Food is fundamental in maintaining your body’s energy homeostasis by providing your cells the nutrients they need to carry out specific functions and to maintain blood glucose levels. Food is not your enemy; food is your biggest supporter in achieving a long, active, and healthful life!

Key 2: All food groups are unlocked. The assumption that in order to live a healthy lifestyle one should avoid anything sweet, any form of carbohydrate or fat, and zero alcohol is simply not realistic. The key is having a successful diet, not a diet that restricts you of certain food groups. Restriction often leads to yo-yo dieting and an endless battle against you and the scale. To achieve long-term success one should follow the ABCs of healthy eating: Adequacy. An eating plan needs to contain all macro nutrients and micro nutrients that leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Balance. This is monumental to any successful eating plan. Focus on moderation and variety. Enjoy your guilty pleasure in smaller moderation so you never feel deprived. Calorie. Calories = energy. Choose nutrient dense foods (high levels of nutrients per gram of food) that aren’t as energy-dense (foods with low levels of calories per gram of food: veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins). Fuel up on food groups that provide your body with beneficial nutrition and enjoy that guilt-free treat or glass of wine in moderation!

Key 3: Choose a diet that fits your lifestyle. First off, don’t let the word “diet” scare you off. Dieting and the impractical fad diets that come along with it have become quite the crazed trend in society. Unfortunately, this movement has tainted the word diet, giving it a negative connation, when really the true definition of diet is “the kinds of food that a person, animal or community habitually eats”. There is nothing intimidating about a diet whatsoever. A diet should fit an individual’s lifestyle comfortably, consist of a healthy eating routine that follows the dietary guidelines, and doesn’t cause any stress! Ignore all the fad diets and create your own healthy eating lifestyle plan that is stable and sensible.