After a week-long vacation filled with food and fun, you wake up early on Monday morning to get ready for the office. Although it’s not your favorite thing, you decide to give the scale a try. Yes, that’s the moment you get the shock of your life and instantly decide to try dieting. You restrict eating, do excessive physical exercise, and cut down all the liquor. But after seven days, you find yourself excessively weak with little effect on your waistline.

Do you know where you went wrong? You decided to diet without a plan or a goal. If you really want to stay in shape, here are five steps you should get started with.

Set a Realistic Goal

That waistline you are trying to re-shape isn’t an overnight thing, and neither will it go away overnight. Think logically and plan to lose weight with realistic goals. Usually, the rate of weight loss is only one to two pounds per week, which is healthy. If you try to push yourself beyond that, it will have a detrimental effect on your body. Losing small amount of weight over a span of time can improve your overall health as that keeps the blood pressure normal and cholesterol level perfect.

Follow a Plan

Planning is a significant part of dieting. If you think cutting down on food can help you improve your health status, then you are wrong. You need to have a balanced diet and that includes calories and oil too, along with other important nutrients and vitamins. So, contact a dietitian to get the right guidance.

Take Slow Steps

Sudden changes in lifestyle are tough to manage, but, you need to accommodate those when you are dieting. However, give yourself the time to adapt to these changes and go slow. Start by stocking your cupboards and refrigerator with healthy food. Try out new recipes and make dieting fun.

Exercise

Well, eating healthy is not the only way to lose weight. Exercise is a must! Ask help from professionals who can guide you every step of the way.

Reward

Your hard work must not be overlooked. So, reward yourself every time you successfully lose weight. This will act as a motivation to carry on your diet plan. Even if you have failed to reach the stipulated goal, do not punish yourself. Put in your best effort and that will surely bear fruit.

The process of dieting will be tough because you have to control the temptation of eating delicious food. But think of the final outcome because that will inspire you to go on. Contact our nutrition and wellness experts to achieve your health goals.