There are few things more frustrating than following a rigid diet plan such as Juice Plus+ and not seeing results when you step on to the scales. But perhaps the problem is method, rather than effort...
“We’re constantly bombarded with stories about ‘fast results’ and ‘miracle diet plans’,” says Dr Laure Hyvernat, a nutrition and natural health doctor.
“But there is no instant fix that will work for any of us in the long run. Even if you are the most determined person, you are still human – having pleasure with food is paramount!
“Once we stop believing in fast fixes, then we can start working on the real problem, which is our day-to-day routine and food habits. We often underestimate the power of regularity.”
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“My philosophy with a weight loss diet is to never compromise the taste of your food or it will not be sustainable,” says Laure.“ Eat more vegetables seasoned with healthy herbs and spices. A slow-cooked plant-based stew can be extremely tasty if you know how to cook the ingredients and mix them together to ensure plenty of flavour.”
What is the perfect portion size?
Use your hands to help you find the perfect portion size
Assess the size of your servings
Most of us, when called on to guess an appropriate serving for most foods, will get it wrong. But it’s hardly our fault – packaged food in supermarkets has been getting bigger for years.
Nevertheless, we’re all guilty of boiling enough pasta to sink a ship, or of doling out too hefty a portion of a ‘healthy’ meal.
So if you’re having trouble shifting weight, it’s worth going back to basics and checking your portions are under control.
It sounds counterintuitive, but by making sure you eat more of certain foods rather than starving yourself, you’ll eat fewer calories later.
Don’t forget that once you’ve had five (or more) portions of fruit and veg each day, you’ll be less hungry for big helpings anyway.
Try eating a green salad or a small bowl of vegetable soup before tucking into dinner – it should take the edge off your hunger and help you eat less overall.”
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