Smart Eating for a Lifetime

Effective solutions for weight management depend on adopting a healthy lifestyle that combines a sensible, nutritious eating plan, regular physical activity and behavior modification. The following are some guidelines to help make that vision of a healthier you a reality.

Remember to be realistic in setting your weight goals. Diets can often be too restrictive and may even discourage you all together. Set up a plan that's right for you. Your doctor can be a good source for diet and nutrition information, and can assist you with implementing a sensible diet plan that's right for you. Your doctor might also be able to direct you to a registered dietitian or diet-related classes at your local hospital.

Keep yourself motivated to stay on your diet. Inspiration can come from many sources, including friends and family, loved ones and your religious faith. Enlisting the help of others — people who care about you, and whom you care about — can be your greatest support.

Learn as much as you can about proper nutrition and exercise. In addition to reading books and magazines on diets, look inside and discover more about yourself and what may trigger your eating habits.

Do not be driven by a number on your bathroom scale or a chart. Staying healthy for a lifetime should be motivation enough. Moreover, stay focused on your own body and healthy eating habits. Following the "ideal" represented by a model on the cover of a fashion magazine can be frustrating, physically unobtainable and unhealthy. Many times, these magazines are selling an image or a look, and not necessarily a healthy lifestyle choice.

Make meal choices for a lifetime. Going on a diet temporarily does no good if you slip back into your old eating habits.

Abandon the "good food, bad food" idea. Eat a variety of foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are a great source for a diversity of vitamins. Why not give legumes and soy products a try in place of meat. If you choose to eat meat, stick to leaner cuts. Lastly, investigate lowfat dairy items as a tasty alternative to whole milk products.

Reward yourself with non-food items. A new shirt or dress is a better alternative than that slice of chocolate mud pie or a steak dinner with French fries.

Continue your efforts with a smile and enjoy life.

If you want to work toward a healthier lifestyle, you don't have to do it alone. South Coast Medical Center can help. Please call the Health Resource Center at (949) 499-7202 to find out about our free and low-cost health classes or for help finding a physician.

Note: This is for information purposes only and not intended for use in place of the advice of a physician.