Table of ContentsStart with realistic expectationsThink about what really motivates youKeep unhealthy foods out of the houseDon't have an all-or-nothing approachHave a game plan before eating outStart your day on a high note -Breakfast proteinFind out what works best for youEating healthy can help you lose weight and have more energy. It can also improve your mood and reduce the risk of disease. Yet, despite all these benefits, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can be difficult. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Here are ways to stick to a healthy diet. Start with realistic expectations Eating a nutritious diet has many benefits, including potential weight loss. However, it is important to set realistic expectations. For example, if you push yourself to lose weight too quickly, your plan to achieve better health could backfire. Researchers found that obese people who expected to lose a lot of weight were more likely to abandon a weight loss program within 6 to 12 months (1). On the other hand, setting a more realistic and attainable goal can keep you from reaching discouraged and can even lead to greater weight loss. Think about what really motivates you. Remembering why you're making healthy choices can help you stay on course. It can be helpful to make a list of specific reasons why you want to become healthier. Keep this list handy and refer to it whenever you feel you need a reminder. Keep Unhealthy Foods Out of Your Home It's really hard to eat healthy if you're always surrounded by junk foods. If other family members want to keep these foods around, at least keep them hidden, rather than on the shelves. In this case the saying “out of sight, out of mind” certainly applies. Having food displayed in various areas of the home has been linked to obesity and increased consumption of unhealthy foods (2, 3). Don't take an "all or nothing" approach One of the major obstacles to achieving a healthy diet and lifestyle is "black and white thinking." A common scenario is where you eat some unhealthy appetizer at a party and decide that your diet for the day is ruined and start overindulging in unhealthy foods. Instead of considering the day "ruined," try putting the past behind you and choosing healthy, unprocessed foods that contain protein for the rest of the party. This will help you feel full and satisfied, rather than full and frustrated. Some unplanned choices make very little difference in the long term, as long as you balance them with healthy foods. Have a Game Plan Before Eating Out Trying to maintain a healthy diet while eating out can be very challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to make it easier. It's better to have a strategy in place before arriving at the restaurant, rather than feeling overwhelmed once you arrive. Start your day with a high-protein breakfast. If your first meal is well-balanced and contains an adequate amount of protein, you're more likely to stick with it. keep your blood sugar levels stable and don't overeat for the rest of the day (14, 15). In one study, overweight women who consumed at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast felt more satisfied and ate fewer calories at lunch than women who ate a low-protein breakfast (15). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Find Out What Works Best for You There is no perfect way to eat that works for everyone. It's important.