The trick to stopping your weight loss yo-yo

Sometimes the trick to getting your weight loss plan working has less to do with dieting, and more to do with priorities.

Going on an extreme diet in order to shed a few extra kilos in time for the wedding of the year or your high school reunion, only to go back to putting them all back – and then some, can be extremely demorolising. It can also cause you to lose confidence in yourself, or give up trying to be healthy altogether.

Most fad diets aren’t designed for long-term weight loss. They rely on special food, beverages or pills as quick fixes, instead of focusing on a long-term solution.

According to Andrea Pennington, MD, author of The Pennington Plan for Weight Success, repeated crash dieting increases metabolic hormones and elevates levels of sex hormones, and this results in extra weight being added around the middle. Research has linked this to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and insulin resistance.

How to stop yo-yo dieting

• Set new goals. It might be great that you want to look good in a bikini in time for summer, but what happens after you reach that goal? Instead of setting goals for a special occasion, set regular goals. Each time you reach one goal, set another one.

• Write it down. You’ll be amazed by how simply writing down what you eat during the day can have a positive effect on your overall weight loss goals.

• Identify emotional binging. If you’ve had a bad day and need a release, go for a walk around the block or do some dancing in your living room instead of having a piece of cake to feel better. You’ll feel great and energised thanks to those feel-good endorphins, instead of feeling sluggish afterwards.

Clean to feel inspired. There’s nothing less motivating than exercising in a living room full of toys, magazines or washing. It’s also no fun trying to prepare a healthy meal in a messy kitchen. Spend some time clearing things away so that you feel inspired to eat well or exercise. At the same time, clear out and restock your fridge and pantry so that you don’t feel tempted by unhealthy foods.

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