By their very nature, diet plans are restrictive, life-limiting, and fraught with anxiety. Schemes and plans that promise wellness are no exception with their strict dietary rules and draconian exercise regimens. Stop Losing and Win offers an alternative, one that you can live with for the rest of your life. So, how can this be a real plan?
I’ll tell you how.
First, we’re taking the long view of weight maintenance, knowing that the physical changes will only last as long as the behavioral changes do. Ask yourself: What do I need to have every day to be happy? What are my “non-negotiables?” What food usually “breaks” my diet? As you build your individual plan for maintenance, take those unique needs into account. If it’s a square of chocolate or a cookie, work it in to your plan.
Second, embrace healthy changes and practice good habits. As we have recommended, eat lightly and eat well. Choose foods that are full of color and life, close to their natural state. We’ve read that half of your plate should be vegetables, and we think that’s a good guideline, but it’s ONLY a guideline, so don’t go crazy with it. Satisfy your need for sweet with beautiful, seasonal fruits. Embrace movement and make sure to engage in activities that you love. As is true with any individualized plan, your favored activities could be anything from line dancing to mountain climbing. My partner and I simply walk our neighborhood and by some kind of miracle, by the end of the week we’ve walked several miles. We know we need upper body conditioning and core strength in addition to the cardio, so we take some fun classes with instructors who make us smile. Exercise accomplished.
Third, go ahead and love food. We know you do; we all do. It’s our birthright. Contrary to popular belief, there is no good food or bad food. There is only food. I hear dieters say “Oh, I was bad today, I ate a brownie” or “I was good all week and didn’t lose a pound.” Now dieting is restrictive, fraught, AND a virtue? Give me a break. Don’t give this kind of thinking any oxygen.
Finally, and most importantly, implement your plan flexibly. The scale will go up and down a little, depending on what’s going on in your life and your changing needs. Using the guidelines that we’ve suggested, you can manage the small changes by continuing to nurture yourself, appreciating your body, and rejoicing in your achievements. Listen to your hunger and fullness signals and start attending to these rather than using an empty plate as your cue to stop eating. Unlike other diet plans, we never want you to be afraid to celebrate with your coworkers, family, and friends, and celebrations always mean food and laughter.
To sum up, in order to maintain a healthy weight, you need to listen to your body cues, respond to your psychological needs, and engage in your community. No one can maintain by taking themselves out of society and living on a mountainside like a monk, at least not for long. Take the long road on your maintenance journey and enjoy every minute along the way.
Stop Losing and Win 