The Little Things That Make a Big Difference’ is an article series outlining weight loss and diet interventions that may seem insignificant, but can make a huge difference to the success of your diet plan.
Change your favourite food
Many diets fail because the dieter (you and I) deeply desires foods that are excluded by the diet plan. The desire for these foods grows and grows until it overwhelms us, and we end up feasting on all of our favourite treats.
Sound familiar?
One way to change this pattern is to change your favourite food to something that can be allowed on your diet every now and then. For example, if your favourite food is chocolate cake, you’re not going to get that while you diet, but if you compromise and substitute cake for dark chocolate, then you can have a block or two every week with very little damage done. If you can go one step further and make your favourite food a savoury item instead of a sweet one, then you’ll really be winning.
An example from my own life may be appropriate here:
I have decided that hamburgers will be my go-to treat food. If I can have a burger when I go out, I’m happy and excited, and the taste almost never disappoints. I also now have a little comparison going in my mind of the relative qualities of all the burgers from restaurants in my area, which is fun.
I don’t really eat burgers at home, either, so it’s a definite treat to have one when I’m out with friends or family.
- According to the USDA, a typical beef burger of around 120 grams will set you back 225 calories, 12 grams of fat, 5 gram of saturated fat and 27 grams of protein. (This is obviously excluding unhealthy sauces, mayo and bacon, but still delicious)
- While a slice of chocolate cake with icing is a whopping 537 calories!
A burger leaves me feeling far more satisfied and full than a slice of cake does, and it doesn’t have the huge ‘guilt factor’ either.
My favourite foods have – until recently – been baked goods like donuts, but that is most unhelpful when it comes to dieting, hence the change. And if you think the change is impossible, think again.
You are actually in control of your own brain, after all.
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Take a look at the articles below for more information on the little things that make a big difference to your weight-loss goals:
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Your Friends
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Your attitude
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Dealing with awkward situations
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: The right mindset
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: When it’s not worth the calories
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Only eat when you’re hungry
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Question your habits
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Learn to say the magic word
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Timing is everything
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: A little bit less
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Use your feet
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Eat fruit
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Take the stress out of your diet
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: How to make caffeine work for you
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Cheat a little every now-and-then
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Grab ‘n go meals
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Fast food?
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Give yourself a challenge
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Take a break from food
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Work hard, rest hard
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Fibre for the win
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Eat protein early
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Be “that guy/girl
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: What if you have a sweet tooth?
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Avoid BOREDOM at all costs!
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: No alcohol before bed
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Downsizing
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Quality control
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Drink water like a real adult
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: The real ‘breakfast of champions’
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Treat limits
- Little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: No milk, no sugar, thanks
- The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Comfy sleep
- The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Time
- The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Vitamin pills
- The little things that make a big difference to your weight loss: Black coffee & veggies
While All4Women endeavours to ensure health articles are based on scientific research, health articles should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical advice. Should you have concerns related to this content, it is advised that you discuss them with your personal healthcare provider.
