Back to normal eating after dieting?

So when can I eat normally again?

Question my friends always ask after her semi successful diet attempt. The amount of facepalming I do in my head exceeds the normal range. The answer is NEVER, as horrifying as it sounds. 

Good news is - you will have a NEW NORMAL! The idea I want to get across to my clients is by the time we successfully learn the science behind the nutrition (even just the basics) there will be no need for this question again. 

Why do people ask this question?

The most challenging part about weight management is getting rid of the previous beliefs and myths about certain foods and meals. The word ‘DIET’ terrifies everyone and is mostly associated with hunger, restriction, sadness and pain. It can also be associated with depression if you give up or feel hopeless if the lost weight comes back instantly. 

This is why the question is asked. We expect to follow a certain short term strategy that will allow us to reach our set goal and then - ideally stay slim and follow our previously ‘normal’ eating routine. However, if over time the weight comes back the conclusion is made - it simply was a bad diet. 

I cannot agree more. Most likely -  it was a bad diet if you didn’t want to continue following it and you did not learn anything apart from how hungry you can get. 

REMEMBER: Diets that don’t last are probably bad for you.  

What is the new ‘normal’?

What if I told you that you can eat everything you like but still stay in shape? Believe me or not, it is possible. I’ve been through this and I do confirm it works. 

All you have to do at the beginning is… make better choices. It may be difficult at the beginning, purely because we need to know what the right choice is. Developing new habits may take some time. Scientists claim it takes around 3 months to develop a new habit, but actually, that's just a myth. It might take longer, might take less, but nevertheless, what counts is to do the first steps. To be honest, choosing the right products and trying new recipes is much easier than overcoming psychological barriers. We need to enjoy the process and not think of it as torture towards your goal. 

That is why it is important to make changes slowly but steadily.  

REMEMBER: What comes fast, goes fast as well.