Weight loss tip: practice guilt-free eating

It could be successfully argued that there is no emotion more taxing than that of guilt.\n\nSometimes a healthy dose of remorse is necessary, especially if you have made a decision that you regret, as it can help you go about making amends.\n\nHowever, feeling constantly guilty is exhausting and often leads to a negative thought pattern of self-doubt and depression.\n\nMany people who are on a weight loss journey often feel guilty if they cannot stick to their diet, and for them eating becomes a constant struggle.\n\nEvery time they fall off the wagon, they tend to binge eat or overindulge, only to feel excessive guilt and frustration at themselves later on.\n\nThis isn't healthy, nor is it sustainable. In worst case scenarios, it can even lead to the development of eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia.\n\nIf you want to lose weight, then it's important that you go about it in a healthy, positive way, and say goodbye to guilt and all its associated problems! Here are a few tips.\n\nBe realistic\n\nWhen it comes to dieting, many of us tend to think that if we sip lemon drinks and eat lettuce for a few weeks that the weight will just fall off.\n\nHowever, it's never that easy! The most successful weight loss is that which occurs gradually. So to be realistic about your goals, set yourself an eating plan that you will be able to follow for a long period of time - if not for life!\n\nLosing weight is often about making changes to your lifestyle. Think of healthy eating as a choice, not a burden. Try to find enjoyment in picking nutritional options and allow yourself the odd treat every now and then.\n\nOne way to go about this is by looking for healthy alternatives to your favourite sweet or fatty foods. Take Stevia for example - a natural sweetener low in calories, free of aspartame but high in taste!\n\nBe positive\n\nNegative thought patterns often generate negative results. Be positive about food and see it as a fuel for your body. Once you start to eat for pleasure and savour your meals, you may find that you are less likely to binge or choose unhealthy options.\n\nAlso, by simply believing that you can shed those extra kilos, you are halfway there!\n\nBe gentle\n\nLast but definitely not least, be gentle on yourself if you fall off the wagon. So you had one too many biscuits one night, or drank an extra glass of wine?\n\nThis is not the end of the world. The important thing is that you remember tomorrow is a new day, so start a clean slate and continue on your healthy eating journey.\n\n