Following a diet plan is a good way to start losing weight, but some plans can be too restrictive for long-term success.
Nutritionists warn that fad diets can be damaging to the body and recommend eating protein-rich foods instead.
“Summer diets often recommend cutting out entire food groups, but this can often do more harm than good,” said a nutritionist from Second Nature.
“When starting to lose weight, it’s helpful to plan your meals in advance to ensure you’re consuming a healthy balance of food groups.”
Experts recommend protein and vegetables
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They suggested planning ahead and stocking up on healthy, whole foods, so it’s easier to create healthy meals every day.
This reduces the risk of reaching for unhealthy convenience foods when you’re short on time and also eliminates the need for restrictive meal plans.
The experts added: “Meal planning reduces the risk of impulsively ordering takeaway and makes you more conscious of choosing healthier alternatives when doing your weekly grocery shop.”
“Stock up plenty of protein-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and nuts.”
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and fiber. Foods high in fiber make you feel fuller, so you stay fuller for longer.
Protein also helps suppress your appetite, which often leads to weight loss for this reason. This macronutrient is also important for building muscle, so make sure you’re eating protein when you hit the gym.
Eating more of these foods means dieters don’t have to drastically cut back on how much they eat, the nutritionists added. “Dieting shouldn’t be based around the principle of eating less.”
“Instead, it’s more beneficial to eat satisfying, healthy meals throughout the day to reduce the risk of unhealthy snacking.”
Another important thing to consider when losing weight is how much you exercise.
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Protein and fiber help curb appetite
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Experts suggested adding more exercise into your daily routine to burn calories sustainably.
They said: “In addition to a healthy diet, you should exercise regularly to increase the effectiveness of your weight loss.”
“Regular exercise has numerous benefits beyond weight loss, including improved mental health and wellbeing, physical fitness and cardiovascular health.
“Even short bursts of exercise can be beneficial, like doing star jumps when you wake up or running in place when you get home from work.”
