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So 2016 was the year you tried to take control of your health and here we are in 2017 and you’re wondering if you’re on the right track. You’ve found a diet plan that seems reasonable and, in the long run, will improve your quality of life, skin, hair and whatever else you wanted to tone up by swimsuit season. At first you probably felt elated by the newness of the whole thing — possibly more infatuated with your new blender than your last date — but, like any relationship, sometimes things just don’t work out, and that’s ok. Here are seven signs it’s time to leave that diet in last year.
You’re Bloated
Not only is bloating uncomfortable, it can actually make you look visibly swollen and is often accompanied by unflattering gas from one end or the other. Bloating is a primary sign that your body isn’t digesting food properly, but it’s also caused most often by simply over eating, so remember to think about serving size when it’s time to grab a bite. Chances are you’re not getting enough fiber or probiotics in your diet, so if you’ve given up dairy or carbs, it’s time to incorporate things like yogurt and whole grains back in.
You’re NOT Allergic To Gluten
Health nuts all over the place are constantly telling you what to cut out of your diet or what the next big dieting fad is going to be — The Paleo Diet, the grapefruit diet, eating baby food, and the big trend these days is the gluten free diet. But here’s the thing — going gluten free isn’t the best option for everyone. Roughly one percent of Americans suffer from celiac disease, and for them, cutting out gluten is basically a must. But despite what many health nuts will tell you, going gluten free isn’t guaranteed to make you lose weight. So you might want to consider switching up your gluten game plan. If you do actually have celiac disease, or think that you might, then check with your doctor or dietician to see what options will be best for your particular situation. They’ll have the best info for you.
You Have Intense Cravings
Cravings are your body’s way of talking to you, and when it talks, you should probably listen. Often times, when you have a serious craving for something, your body is actually telling you that it’s in need of certain nutrients. For example, if you have a major craving for chocolate, your body may be signaling that you need more magnesium, which can be found in healthy alternatives like raw nuts and fruits. If that’s the case, you might want to evaluate your eating habits to see where some changes can be made. It’s not always a bad thing to have cravings, but it is important to be mindful of what your body is saying about your diet from the inside.
You Have No Energy
A well-rounded diet should have you feeling like the best version of yourself. Not just average, but actually energized. If you don’t feel that way, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough protein, Vitamin B12, or Vitamin D. If you’re waking up still feeling exhausted, even after getting a good night’s sleep, it’s almost always directly linked to your eating habits, whether is be not getting those vitamins and proteins or eating too much fat. There’s also a chance that you could have low blood sugar. If that’s the case, I highly recommend checking with your doctor to see if you may be hypoglycemic, as that’s a battle all it’s own.
You’re Gaining Weight
This one should be a no-brainer, but here we are. Unless you’re on a fitness plan that has you bulking up or building more muscle mass, an obvious sign that your diet isn’t working is that you’re gaining weight despite your initial plans. Be honest with yourself and evaluate your eating habits when facing this issue. Are you yo-yo dieting? Skipping meals? Sneaking in more cheat meals than you should? These things could backfire and have your body holding onto whatever calories it can get.
There are a lot of healthy diets across Texas, and in 2017, you’re likely to find one that you’ll love, but remember that being healthy means more than being thin. Give your body what it needs and the results will come. Don’t resort to risky means to lose a few pounds — no swimsuit is worth your health.