Admit it. We've all tried at least one irresistible, fat diet that promised magical results like "lose 10 pounds in 10 days!" Maybe it was the grapefruit diet, the master cleanse, the banana diet, eating no fat, the cabbage soup, eliminating carbs, the baby food diet or another seductive, promise-filled claim.
They're temping! Most of us would love to drop 10 and fit into our skinniest of jeans by Friday.
Sorry to break it to you, but the truth is fad diets are just that - a dirty, ineffective craze. They're generally an attempt at quick-fix that sets you up for overall weight loss failure and disappointment.
So if the fad diets are a no-go and lifestyle change is the hot ticket for weight loss, what exactly do you do? Just 3 simple things.
1. Think thin. You have the power to create the body you want just by changing your thinking. If you're telling yourself every time you look in the mirror, "you're a chub," then you're going to be a chub. Instead say: "I am strong, fit and thin." And say it with great enthusiasm to yourself several times a day. Your thoughts hold an enormous amount of influence over your physical body.
2. Nourish your body by what you eat. Yes, you'll have to reduce calories to lose weight, but do it in a way that feeds your body - and doesn't deprive it. Eat nutrient rich, low calories foods such as veggies (especially raw, green ones), fruit, whole grains and lean protein. Steer clear of processed food and food that are full of fake junk such as preservatives, salt, artificial flavors and colors. Treat your body to real foods and the skinny will happen.
3. Move and groove your body. Exercise doesn't have to be long, torturous and expensive. Heck no! Just the opposite - the more you like it, the more you'll stick with it. You'll have a better chance of getting slim and trim if you burn more calories, get stronger and improve your flexibility with physical activities.
The next time you hear the siren song of a fad diet just remember that it may be as tempting as an ooey-gooey banana split on a hot summer day, but they both have the same end result - disappointment, frustration and no weight loss. Stick with good old fashioned positive thoughts, clean eating and moving your body.
