“I don’t diet, I eat according to my goals”

One of the most talked about subjects among women is weight loss.

When I was younger I actually believed many of the advertisements concerning weight loss. Media keeps creating and showing us an unrealistic image of what a female body should look like; making many of women who don’t fit this image, feel insecure and unhappy with their bodies.

In an attempt to reduce my weight, I have fallen victim of the fad diet a few times. I’ve tried the Kellogg’s Special K challenge where you eat a small bowl of milk and cereal for breakfast and dinner for a period of 1 week or 10 days. I did end up losing 1-2 kilos, however, as soon as I stopped it, I would gain it back and I’m not going to stay stuffing myself with milk and cereal forever!

Like me, many people try all these types of so called “diets” that most of the times are very unhealthy and destroy your body. Whether it is an all fruits diet, cabbage soup diet, drinking vinegar and so many other unrealistic ideas, they are unsustainable and absurd options for immediate weight loss.

The problem with these fad diets is that they lead to immediate but temporary results. What is the point of losing a certain amount of weight in such a short period if as soon as you go back to your normal routine you will gain it back?

The body needs carbs, proteins, and nutrients in order to function properly. I’ve discovered that in order to achieve the body of my choice, a balanced diet is what is needed. And by diet I mean a lifestyle and not a temporary diet. As I’ve previously mentioned, I lost close to 7 kilos in a period of 3 months simply by eating healthier, cutting down some carbs, eating whole grain instead of white starch, and cutting down on fried foods and junk food in general. I always mention that French fries are my weakness but that doesn’t mean that I don’t eat them, I just do it in moderation, no more than once a week, and in controlled portions. You will find that with time, as you stop eating certain fatty or sugary foods and replace them with clean, leaner options, you’re body will no longer crave them as much.

My way of living is quite simple; I don’t deny myself from eating anything. I do allow myself to “cheat” and indulge in some of my favorite foods, but not all the time! I try to follow a simple 80-20 rule: eat 80 percent clean and 20 percent other foods.