The entire working of our body is dependent on our diet and hence it is fuel to our body’s function and operation. What we eat daily is inexplicably linked to how our body behaves, our body’s complex functions, weight and overall health. When we eat a healthy diet, we can ensure that our body is receiving the right kind of nutrition and prevent many diseases. 

Many studies have shown that weight loss is also highly dependent on our diet, even more so than exercise. When both are combined, you can get maximum results. If you’re looking to start a new weight loss or weight gain diet plan based on your fitness goals, then this blog is for you. There are some points that you must keep in mind before beginning a new diet since it is a huge change in your lifestyle.

So, here are some things you need to know before starting a new diet.

Your New Diet Should Complement Your Eating Habits

There’s no denying the fact that right now, diets are a dime a dozen. The important thing is to choose a diet that already suits your eating style. Any diet that is too different from your past eating habits may be difficult for you to sustain. For example, if you only eat 2-3 meals a day, choosing a new diet that requires 6 small meals a day may be tough to keep up with.

Also, ascertain whether your new diet matches your dine-out patterns, requires special preparation and can be incorporated well into your family meals. 

Choose a Diet That You Can Follow Forever

There are so many dietary trends out there that people follow for a short time, and get back to their original eating ways. Such diets won’t give you the desired results. Eating healthy is a way of life and not just a temporary solution. Ensure that you choose a diet that you’re able to follow for your entire life. Because if your diet is short-lived, whatever weight-loss results you achieve will be lost.

Your New Diet Should Be Available and Affordable

Food availability and affordability is a vital component of a healthy diet. There are hundreds of healthy food items advised by experts that are either simply not available in all parts of the world or too expensive. You don’t want to empty your bank account in order to eat healthy. Make sure your new diet has food options that are locally sourced and affordable. Try to avoid foods that are too exotic even if they’re very healthy.

Ease of Preparation

Any home-cooked meal has to be prepared first to enjoy, obviously. Our modern lives are too fast-paced and we do not have ample time to prepare food. We need something quick and healthy at the same time. So, if your healthy meal takes ages to prepare or is a lot of work, then it may not be sustainable for you. Choose a new diet that has simple home-cooked meals that can be prepared without any fuss, quickly and with easily available ingredients. 

Try Not To Rely on Weight Loss Supplements

If eating healthy and losing weight is your ultimate goal, ensure that you get the required nutrition from your diet and not via weight-loss supplements. Studies have shown that such supplements may not be as effective in reducing weight. On the contrary, some of these supplements may have potentially harmful side effects.

Stay Away From Rapid Weight Loss Diets

Many diets promise very quick and rapid weight loss. But you should note that the weight loss due to these diets is mostly water weight and not fat loss. That’s why these diets are initially very effective but may not be good for overall health over the long term. Nutritionists recommend that your weight loss must be slow and steady. Aim for a weight loss rate of 500 grams to 1 kg per week. In terms of calories, that is around 500 calories per day.

Before you choose a new diet, keep the above tips in mind. An expert nutritionist can also help you chart out the best diet plans that are healthy and sustainable. Download the FITPASS app to not only find weight loss classes near you but also the ability to get a diet consultation. With FITFEAST, you get a dedicated expert nutritionist near you who can recommend the best healthy diet suitable for your goals.

FAQ

What are 3 guidelines to consider when choosing a diet plan?

When choosing a diet plan, the three guidelines to consider are a balance of nutrition, quality of food, and timing of meals.

How do I prepare for a diet change?

When planning a diet change, make small, gradual changes instead of completely overhauling your diet. This gives time to your body to prepare and adjust.

What happens when you start a new diet?

When you start a new diet, you may feel hunger pangs or low energy due to decreased calorie intake, but the body will eventually adjust to your new diet.