The Difference Between a Diet and a Lifestyle Change
Dieting is when one temporarily changes eating habits to promote weight loss. On the contrary, a lifestyle change is when someone adopts healthy overall habits which encourage long-term weight control and consistent health. In addition, diets focus on food intake, while lifestyle changes help to manage weight and health, such as physical activity and exercise. At The Bariatric Experts, we specialize in bariatric surgery and weight loss plans to facilitate lifestyle changes that will result in long term health.
Diet vs Lifestyle Change
DIET. A diet is changing what you eat in order to lose weight. However, typically once weight loss goals are achieved, diets tend to stop. People will sometimes return to old habits, and be forced to diet all over again. Diets can be successful when implemented with lifestyle and behavioral changes, such as some of these dieting tips:
- Eat Like Clockwork. Eating erratically causes one to consume more calories that are burned less quickly than those who have six regular small meals each day. Instead, have a small meal or snack up to six times every day. Also, decreasing your meal portions throughout the day keeps you energized instead of feeling weighed down.
- Pack in the Protein. A study revealed that doubling up on protein could help you eat less without feeling hungry. All meals should be at least ⅓ of some source of lean protein.
- Plan Ahead. Know what you are eating the next day and total the amount of calories that are involved. Make sure that your daily routine burns these calories.
- Switch to Lighter Options When Possible. If shopping for milk, buy low fat or switch to unsweetened almond, coconut, or soy milk. For soda cravings, opt for calorie free, flavored sparkling waters that are fantastically refreshing!
LIFESTYLE CHANGE. Secondary to diet, another important factor to apply is exercise on a regular basis. One pound of weight in the body is equal to around 3,500 calories. To burn those calories, your metabolism must be in sync with a healthy cardio regimen every day. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate exercise in your daily routine:
- Challenge yourself. If going up one or two floors, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you go to the grocery store, find a parking spot that allows for a walk to and from the door. Better yet, if only you only have a couple of grocery bags, try dropping your cart or basket off at the store exit, and carry your bags to your vehicle. Turn this challenge into a game, where you park further away from the door each time. Use the cart if your grocery load is too much to carry in one trip, and after your groceries are unloaded, walk the cart back into the store rather than the cart racks in the parking lot.
- Walk or Bike. Whenever possible, try walking or biking to close by destinations. An added benefit, studies show that people tend to have better moods and feel healthier when they spend more time outdoors.
- Find a Hobby. Find a nearby pond to hike to and read, meditate, or feed the ducks. Bring a snack and water for yourself and take your time on this outing. Find yourself on an outside adventure once a week to get some fresh air and exercise.
- Have a Morning Routine. By waking up thirty minutes earlier, you can use that time to take a brisk walk, do meditation yoga or practice deep breathing and stretching. Not only will this wake up your heart rate, it will physically and mentally prepare you for the day.
For more information on diet vs lifestyle changes, contact us today at The Bariatric Experts!
