Changing your diet is a big deal. Not to be underestimated! Which is why it can be very difficult to stick to your new plan after the first week excitement has worn off.

It helps greatly if you understand the real reasons you want a healthier diet. These will be different for everyone and it can be hard to understand the real real reasons. When I work with clients who want hypnotherapy for weight loss, we spend time getting to their ‘why’.

What’s your real why?

The why will be based around ‘away from’ or ‘towards’ mentality because this is how we tend to work when we are motivated.

Some examples of ‘away from’ are:

• Not wanting health issues
• Not wanting to be overweight
• Not wanting people to comment on your weight

Some examples of ‘towards’ are:

• Wanting to look a particular way
• A special occasion like a wedding
• Achieving a goal
• Trying to get pregnant
• Wanting to be fitter

There is no right or wrong, but there is usually one thing that stands out above the rest (easy to find in hypnotherapy which accesses the unconcious mind which is where our deep routed beliefs and desires are held).

Once you have your real real reason why, remind yourself of it often and especially when you are feeling like you want to give into temptation.

So what are the easy ways to maintain your healthy eating plan?

1 – If cravings strike, have a glass of water. A craving will not last long, around 20 seconds. If you drink a glass of water it will stop your craving by distracting it. Disruption and confusion are very good techniques for interrupting brain patterns.

2 – Eat protein with every meal. Protein keeps you fuller longer and if you are fuller, you will be less inclined to want to nibble.

3 – Try to avoid processed sugar. Sugar is highly addictive and has a similar effect on the brain to cocaine! You will also cause blood sugar spikes which mean that when you crash, you will want more. If you need something sweet, aim for a small amount of dried fruit which at least has some vitamins in and is unlikely to be as moreish as chocolate and sweets. Or even better some fresh fruit.

4 – Have a nutrient rich smoothie. People fall into a trap of thinking that any smoothie is good news, but if it is just fruit that’s not the best way to go. Smoothies can really help you with a healthy diet if you make nutrient rich ones. 

5 – Make changes gradually like cutting out sugar first. Then maybe decreasing the amount of fat in your diet. And then increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables that you eat. So the changes are gradual, easier to manage and longer lasting. Think nutrients, not calories.

6 – Keep healthy snacks on you and around you. In your bag, pocket, car, desk drawer… everywhere! Healthy snacks can save you until dinner time and make all the difference. Some good healthy snacks are almonds, rice cakes, oat cakes and naked bars.

7 – Plan your meals. More about this in a future blog post!

8 – Have a mantra. If you feel yourself struggling.. say the mantra. Make it meaningful and tie in in with your why.

Make a list:

Note down any of the  things in the list that might help you stick to your healthy eating plan and any more you can think of.

Do you have a top tip? We would love to hear it in the comments.