Let’s be honest: the prospect of losing weight often conjures up images of endless salads, grumpy mornings, or waving goodbye to your favorite treats forever. But what if six surprisingly simple habits could actually change everything—helping you not only shed a few stubborn kilos, but keep them off for good? Good news ahead, courtesy of seasoned dietitians Alexia Mouyal and Carla Abbou, who know a thing or two about slimming down without also deflating your spirits. Ready? Grab a (healthy) snack and dive in!
Why Restrictive Diets Are Sabotaging Your Efforts
- Tired of crash diets that work for a week, only to see your old weight boomerang back? You’re not alone! Both Alexia Mouyal and Carla Abbou agree: overly strict diets not only don’t last, but they set you up for disappointment. The more you restrict, the higher the chance you’ll feel deprived, lose motivation, and give up altogether.
- True, making a huge effort (think heroic self-denial) might bring short-term results. But sooner or later, your body rebels—old habits slip back in, the weight returns, and frustration skyrockets. Who needs that kind of drama at the dinner table?
The Power of Simple, Balanced Eating
- The real game-changer? Balanced nutrition, plain and simple! Give your body a variety of nutrients: think amino acids, healthy fats, carbs, vitamins and minerals. This isn’t some punishment. In fact, it’s the foundation for long-term success and a stable weight.
- Don’t worry, eating balanced doesn’t mean turning into a gourmet chef or stockpiling mystery superfoods. Keep it easy: fresh, frozen, or jarred veggies at every meal. No excuses—stash a few ready-to-cook veggies in your pantry or freezer so busy days never end veggie-free.
- Carla Abbou recommends the 90/10 rule: 90% of your meals stick to your game plan, but there’s always a 10% window for pleasure. Translation? You don’t have to completely ghost birthday cake or grandma’s cookies. Relief, right?
Smart Habits That Make All the Difference
- Snack with intention. We all know the urge to raid the cupboard for comfort snacks when emotions run high or boredom strikes. Solution: keep healthy snacks within easy reach—nuts, raw veggies, fresh fruit, or plain yogurt. That way, crunchy cravings don’t turn you into a chip burglar.
- Eat with awareness. Alexia Mouyal advises focusing on your food—ditch TV, phone calls, or laptop series during meals. Chewing slowly not only helps you savor every bite, but actually leads to eating less. Fast eating is linked to stress and weight gain, so slow down—you might just surprise yourself!
- Track your meals. Keeping a daily food diary (even just a simple list) helps you spot mistakes and be more conscious of what you’re eating. Sometimes, just seeing your day’s menu in black and white is the motivation you need to stick with your goal.
- The scale isn’t your enemy—but obsession is! Weighing yourself too often can be discouraging and misleading. Daily fluctuations often reflect water retention or other factors, not actual fat changes. The golden rule? Step on the scale once a week, on an empty stomach, using the same scale at the same spot. It’s not CSI: Bathroom, after all.
- Avoid skipping meals. It might sound tempting, but skipping breakfast or lunch will only spark intense hunger later, leading to compulsive snacking and derailing your efforts. Quick weight loss? Maybe. But as Carla Abbou warns, those lost kilos just love to boomerang right back.
Lasting Change: Move Your Body & Practice Moderation
- No big reveal here: lasting weight loss pairs balanced eating with regular physical activity. Never done a sport? Start at your own pace with something enjoyable—a gentle activity counts! Gradually increase session time and intensity as you settle into your routine.
- Everyday movement matters: walk briskly when possible, swap short rides for quick strolls, or just take any excuse to get up and move. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day—the perfect recipe for protecting both your figure and your sanity.
- And remember: moderation is the golden rule for keeping off the pounds. Sweets, salt, alcohol, treats—occasional indulgence won’t mess with your goals. It’s the excess that sneaks up on you. Limit yourself to one small treat per day, and not every single day. Your future self (and waistband) will thank you.
In short: Sustainable weight loss doesn’t require complicated strategies or monk-like deprivation. Bring balance, pleasure, moderation, and a pinch of planning into your daily life, and you’re far more likely to win the battle of the scale—once and for all. Now, go conquer your journey—veggie jar in hand, stride in your step, and a smile to match!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
