Ditch Dieting for a More Effective Approach for Losing Weight

Researchers believe the relationship between better self-esteem and weight loss seems to be more or less linear and the more you lose the more improvement. This is especially true for those who lost weight due to a lifestyle change, as opposed to bariatric surgery or diet pills. Health related quality of life includes the signs and symptoms of good health and disease, as well as any stigma you have about being overweight. These represent the self-perception of your physical, psychological and social functioning.

Participants who reported lower satisfaction with their environment even though they were losing weight, had daily social activities that involved unhealthy eating and had to pass on social eating due their weight loss plan. Studies suggest that we only have a limited supply of willpower, so don't expect yourself to have enough mental stamina to stick to the ridiculous food rules inherent to most fad diets.

• Visualize Your Weight Loss Success - Overly restrictive diets can slow the body's metabolism, which may require even a larger caloric deficit to lose weight. Negative side effects include obsessive thoughts about food, binge eating and overwhelming feelings of hunger.
• Put Decision Making on Someone Else - If you don't like exercising and have never learned how to apply fitness programs, seek the advice of a professional that can set up a program for your unique needs.
• Ditch Dieting - Since it takes time to accomplish real goals, it is important to adopt realistic strategies for budgeting your time each day, so you can devote effort to eating right and staying active.
• Hang with Other Dieters - Exercise doesn't have to be a burden, if you make it an enjoyable pastime. Moving more with friends can be motivational for the entire group.
• Exercise Can Be Fun - Adding even a short walk to your daily routine can make a big difference in your efforts to lose weight and keep it off. Moving more supports your health, weight and well-being.

Sticking to lifestyle changes that you can abide by and not creating momentary changes that you are apt to abandon after a certain amount of time has passed is essential for permanent weight loss. Rally the support of friends and family is critical to holding yourself accountable. If they are eating junk food and not exercising, you can start a "walk night" where you explore town on foot window-shopping before deciding on a healthy meal, so living healthier doesn't feel like such a chore.

Most experts agree that you don't have to work out every day and you can even have a cheat meal once in a while, since both give you time to recoup physically and mentally. So, give yourself a break with the goal of sustaining your motivation. People are human and we all make mistakes, so having a "slip up plan" in place can be helpful in overcoming weight loss mistakes like not getting derailed. Forgive yourself and accept your failure as part of taking risks to live a healthier, happier life.