You are selling yourself short if you are a slave to any type of diet. If you are following a regimen that is restricting certain food from your daily menu, then you need to keep reading. As a mature athlete, I have spent my fair share of time on “fad” diets. Some I had success, and some I did not. In the past, I have done The Paleo Diet, The Adkins Diet, The Lemonade Diet, The Starvation Diet, HCG Protocol, only to name a few. It takes time to find the best nutritional regimen that suits your health and well being. Ideally, you want to find foods/meals routine that are nutritious, balanced, and meets your satisfaction.

If weight loss is your goal, then plan on doing it at a slow pace. In order to lose weight, you simply need to eat less than you have been eating. Over time, you will decrease your body mass. It’s that simple. Speak to a Health Care Provider to determine whether weight loss is a healthy goal for you. Losing weight is not the same as being healthy. Researchers have found that 3 out of 4 adults are overweight or obese. When you have excess bodyfat around your waist, this could increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, chronic health conditions, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. It’s up to you to correct your health situation.

Cutting calories can help you lose weight, because it creates a caloric deficit. By consuming fewer calories than you are burning through your metabolism and daily activity.

You can lose about a pound a week, just by eating about 500 calories less than you usually do. I never count calories. I have managed to get to my ideal weight with this method.

Here are a few other tips that I follow.

1. Reduce portion size
2. Limit high caloric beverages, like cokes, sweet drinks
3. Make food swaps
4. Fill up with plenty of water, protein and fiber
5. Try baking or broiling meats instead of frying
6. Best practice is to relax, use common sense, and don’t stress about your weight.
7. Remember to exercise, have fun, and enjoy life.