There’s no single trick that works for everyone
“I wish the diet industry would stop touting that weight loss is simply the result of eating less and exercising more, says New York City-based clinical nutritionist Jennifer Cassetta. “For some people that do eat way more than their bodies need, then yes, this strategy can often lead to weight loss,” she says. “However, that is not always the case.” In other words, there isn’t one perfect solution—and the thing that might work for you may not even be on your radar yet.
To help you make strides toward your goals, we asked top dietitians and nutritionists for the strategies that actually get results. And make sure you avoid the worst diet tips nutritionists have ever heard.
Stop dieting
Yup, you read that right. The key to improving your health might just be to focus on healthy behaviors like moving more and eating more fruits and veggies. “Research repeatedly suggests that diets don’t work,” says Julie Duffy Dillon, RD, an eating disorder specialist based in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Going on diet after diet only promotes something called weight cycling. That’s the process of losing weight and regaining it time and time again,” she explains. “This may promote long-term health issues like higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and more chronic inflammation. The key to health is focusing on behaviors that feel energizing and sustainable to you long term.” In other words, think about what you enjoy in terms of exercise and make a list of healthy foods you actually find tasty. Then try to make those things a more prominent part of your life. (Psst! Use this trick to stop dreading your workouts.)
Eliminating one food or avoiding an ingredient won’t be enough
“I find that when people are trying to lose weight, they become obsessed with avoiding one thing, like carbs or sugar. But staying away from certain food groups or one specific thing won’t help you lose weight,” says Tara Collingwood, RDN, CSSD, team dietitian for Orlando Magic and author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Instead, look at your overall diet and caloric balance. Increase your burn a little bit each day with more movement and exercise and skip extra calories you won’t miss, like that bite of your husband’s meal when you dine out or that handful of candy from the jar at work.” For even more diet tips that will help you stay on track, don’t miss these 12 perfect food swaps for every craving.
