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Do yourself a favor: Don’t diet ever again


You may remember me mentioning that I’m studying the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and getting my certification as a nutritional coach. Well, here I am at the beginning of my 2nd quarter of classes and boy-oh-boy have I learned a bunch!

While some of what I’ve learned is a little mind-bending, some of it is common knowledge that we’ve all shared, but often have failed to address. For example; in the long term, dieting to drop weight — and keep it off — rarely works. We both know that, right? Then why do we get so down on ourselves when this reality comes to fruition? Study after study supports the fact that many people eventually regain the weight they lost — and then some — once they stop their diet.

The proof is in the collective pounds Americans have gained despite the billions of dollars we dish out for diet pills and programs each year. Unfortunately, the number of obese Americans continues to rise and has now reached epidemic proportions.

So, what should you do to get to a healthy weight?

1. First and foremost, vow never to diet again. Just don’t do it! In most people’s sense of the word, to “diet” means to take a brief break from one’s usual eating habits to lose weight. For many people, once they get down to their goal weight, they go back to their pre-dieting ways. Instead, focus on nutrition and commit to a new lifestyle of moderation.

2. Developing a nutritional lifestyle can be difficult for some, but with the help of a nutrition professional, wellness coach or self-educated program, you can determine what your healthy body weight is and how many servings of which food groups you should eat in order to reach that weight goal. Once there, all that’s needed are little tweaks here and there to maintain your weight FOR LIFE.

3. A secret to making a healthy lifestyle change to your nutrition is to be prepared. Life comes at you from all directions. So, be sure your refrigerator, pantry and office are stocked with convenient, nutritionally jam-packed foods that fit seamlessly into your plan.

4. Finally, it never hurts to let friends have your back, either. Just be sure that, when creating your support group, you look for friends, family, and co-workers who WANT to get to a healthy weight as well. Then, spend time together exchanging recipes, idea and finding ways to incorporate some type of physically activity into your life; something that you enjoy doing. It can be anything, as long as it’s active, fun and keeps you moving forward with your lifestyle goals.

From there, the sky’s the limit. If you have questions, please feel free to leave a comment. Don’t forget, I am here to help if you need me. I’d be happy to discuss your goals and find ways to get you the life (and body) you’ve been striving for.

As always – Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!

 The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program. 

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