Diets don’t work. If they did you surely would have found one by now, stuck to it and seeing all the results you wanted.

What does work is small, consistent and enjoyable lifestyle changes. 

Similar to starting a diet, you do have to get your mindset set to change. You must accept that you won’t be perfect because no one is. Life is going to happen, again we’re not talking about a diet here but making healthy choices when the opportunity presents itself that make a big difference in the long term. The goal is to enjoy your days now and know that you will enjoy quality of life down the road. 

Weight-loss will come if you are truly eating a balanced and healthy diet. When we say diet, we mean what goes into your mouth, not a strict set of rules where you feel if you don’t follow them.

It starts with the food you buy. If you buy junky food, that’s what you’ll eat. Don’t buy it for your family or for yourself. Sure, they are going to be those indulgences that you have, they are going to be times when you don’t have time to cook or when you need a quick snack. That’s OK. That’s life and it’s all part of the balance!

Start trying out recipes that you think your family will enjoy but that are healthy and contain as much produce as possible. Once you find a few that work make them your new go-to and try to switch them out for your least healthy meals.

If snacks are what trip you up, try switching one unhealthy snack for fruit, vegetables or an organic and low processed snack item.

If your weakness is baked goods and sweets, there is definitely help. There are brands now who focus on making organic, low sugar and no scary additive sweet treats. If you bake on your own you can definitely still enjoy that hobby and make it healthy by swapping out some ingredients. Similar to your meals it may take some time experimenting and trying different recipes. But look at it as a new challenge and when you come out on the other end and you’ll have your favorite recipes just like you do now! And even better because they will make you feel great and help you lose weight!

To give you some ideas, use this list to heck what meals your family eats that already contains these. And then see where you can add in more!

• Leafy greens

• Nuts & seeds 

• Beans 

• Fruit

• Sweet potatoes and tubers 

• Olive, coconut and avocado oil

• Organic locally sourced dairy and meat

• Or organic, low processed meat and dairy alternatives 

• Organic, whole, low processed grains

• All other fresh produce

One step at a time and you’ll get there! We’ll be back soon with more tips!