The biggest mistake people make when they decide to eat healthy, according to experts
Shutterstock
Most of us who try lifestyle changes like limiting carbs or sugar only keep it up for a period of time. Research shows the vast majority of people who diet to lose weight end up gaining back some or all of the weight they lost, typically within a few years.
We asked two experts - registered dietitian Andy Bellatti and exercise scientist Philip Stanforth - what people should do if they want to lose weight and keep it off.
Both experts said one principle should guide any change you make to what you eat. It comes down to doing something you can maintain for the rest of your life.
"You know we tend to say you go on a diet, but that also implies you're going to go off of it," Stanforth said. "And that's not how we should be looking at this."
Flickr/IRRI Photos
"I'd say nine times out of 10 the people who change slowly and do manageable goals are the people who three years out still have success," Bellatti said. "I know many people who've gone on some kind of crash diet for a week and lose a bunch of weight and a few months later they're back to square one."
For this reason, Bellatti recommends clients give themselves two to four years of consistent behavioral changes. These could include things like adding more vegetables to each meal, walking instead of driving to work a few days a week, and cutting back on sugary drinks like soda.
"Sometimes people are looking for the latest fad, but oftentimes it's the fundamentals that are the most important and that make the biggest difference," Stanforth said.
NOW WATCH: More trouble for Subway's Jared Fogle...
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market