Diets That Work for Most People

The key to adopting a diet that works is not to look at your new regimen as a diet. Look at it as a lifestyle change. By changing the way you eat, you can provide yourself with energy and adequate nutrition while enjoying basic foods that you love. Use your favorites, such as cheese, sparingly and enjoy the taste without an excessive amount of calories. Concentrate on creating a diet that consists of vegetables, lean protein, fruit and whole grains.

Start Slow

• Drastic changes to your diet can sabotage your efforts. Slowly incorporate new foods into traditional family recipes. Add peppers, onions, broccoli, garlic or tomatoes to your favorite dishes to add flavor while enhancing the nutritional content. Add fresh fruit to cereals or your favorite yogurt for healthier breakfasts or snacks.

Portion Control

• Cut your portion sizes. Pay attention and stop eating when you are full, but before you are stuffed. Drink a glass or two of water with each meal and see your portion sizes grow smaller with little effort. You may be accustomed to cleaning your plate so that you aren't wasting food, but try putting less food on your plate so that you can accomplish this task without overeating.

Indulge

• Don't cut your favorite foods, even junk foods, completely out of your diet. Eat them sparingly. For example, if you love chocolate chip cookies, have one cookie after dinner on Fridays. You should still be able to taste the foods that you love but eat less of them. Don't eat your junk foods as meal supplements. Instead, eat a nutritious meal and then have a small dessert afterward. However, try to cut foods that have excessive amounts of salt or sugar out of your daily food consumption.

Simplify

• The most healthy meals are often the most simple. Create meals that are rich in vegetables and lean protein and low in carbohydrates. However, don't completely cut out carbohydrates, as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can provide beneficial carbohydrates that can be easily broken down into energy. Use more fresh vegetables and beans in your recipes, as these foods can provide you with valuable protein without the harmful fat content. Stay away from foods that contain saturated or trans fats, as these are highly processed and provide little nutritional value.

Plan Ahead

• It isn't hard to put yourself in situations in which you are hungry and have little time or choice but to eat unhealthy foods. Don't wait until you can't stand it any longer to eat. Plan your meals ahead. If you are going to work in the morning, pack your lunch the night before so that you can eat healthy and still eat when you are hungry.