We have all been there. You have cleaned house and gotten rid of the cookies in the cupboard, and virtuously refused the cake at the office party. And then, a few weeks into it, your motivation begins to go downhill. Maybe you hit a plateau in your weight loss, or you're bored with steamed vegetables for dinner night after night, or, tempted by a special dessert, you decide that just this once can't hurt.
A few slip-ups and you're totally derailed, physically and emotionally.
It's important to remember that healthy eating is a lifelong goal, not a one-time project
Set Realistic Goals for Diet Success
The first step to maintaining your mojo should take place before you cut a single calorie. In fact, one of the strongest predictors of long-term diet success lies in setting the right goal at the start. If you set unattainable goals, such as losing 30 pounds in just a few months, you're setting yourself up to fail.
Go Slow
Diet success entails making real lifestyle changes, and that doesn't happen overnight. "You have a better chance at keeping the weight off if you lose it slowly.
Expect Setbacks
Everyone is bound to give in to temptation from time to time. The danger isn't a single splurge but letting it become an excuse for an all-out binge.
Don't Be a Perfectionist
So what do you do if you've scarfed down a pint of ice cream before noon? "Perfectionist thinking gets in the way of success more than anything .
Reward Yourself
Small rewards can provide an incentive to keep going. Set mini-goals along the way and reward yourself when you reach them. Your reward could be a massage, a new pair of jeans, or a hot bubble bath.
Be Patient
When you hit the plateau, you may want to try something slightly different to jump-start your diet.
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