Sticking to any health regimen is a difficult task. Indeed, maintaining a healthy diet can be particularly tricky while dealing with the regular stresses of modern life. So what separates those who are able to consistently stick to diets and those who struggle to adhere to one? The answer might lie in damage control and self awareness. Knowing when you’re at your most vulnerable –– and what could cause you trouble while dieting –– is essential to overcoming dietary trouble. To that end, here are five common signs that might indicate your diet is about to go up in smoke –– and how you can work through them:
Feeling Alone
It’s no surprise that most people find success when working with others. Dieting and exercising is no different. If you’ve recently moved away from people who shared a similar diet, or you’ve somehow found yourself dieting on your own, note that you’ll likely struggle to stick to a diet around others who practice unhealthy habits. Fortunately, you can always reach out to like-minded people and workout groups within your community.
Habitual Fatigue
A sensible diet is supposed to make you feel refreshed. So if you start to feel sluggish or unmotivated, it could be a sign that your diet isn’t functioning as it should be. One way to combat the inevitable mundane aspect of dieting is to try and mix things up –– in a healthy way with exotic nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Pains and Aches
Dieting works best when paired with vigorous exercise. Unfortunately, that means joint pain or chronic aches can derail a well-conceived fitness plan faster than just about anything else. Stretching, increasing your calcium intake, and lowering the impact of your workouts might help alleviate some of your problems. However, if your discomfort continues, you may want to consult an orthopedic surgeon.
Limited Returns
It’s only natural to get frustrated with a diet or exercise routine if you’re not seeing the results you want. Consider though, that few people experience rapid turnarounds in their weight-loss efforts, and that keeping off excess fat is a constant struggle. Furthermore, setting unrealistic weight-loss goals won’t help you stay focused either. Still, at other times, poor returns indicate that a diet isn’t working for you, and that it might be time to change course.
Increased Cravings
Sure, everyone on a diet feels the desire to pig out on some fatty/salty/sweet snacks from time to time. But there’s a difference between wanting the occasional treat and constantly pining for greasy burgers and junk food. Recognizing when your cravings are getting out of hand is essential to developing a healthy lifestyle. Remember, cheating on your diet every once in a while isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but letting your urges get the best of you won’t do you any good.
Article Submitted By Community Writer