Diet Derailed? Get Back on Track with These 4 Tips

Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year to lose weight? You’re not alone! Millions of us vow that this will be the year that we start and stick to a diet until we reach our goal weight. But for a lot of people by February that resolution is out the window and the numbers on the scale haven’t gone down—or worse, that number went up.

Sticking to a diet is hard work that requires dedication and a plan of action. If you started out with the best of intentions only to fail, don’t despair! Try these tips to get your diet back on track:

Don’t give up. That pint of ice cream that you polished of last night doesn’t mean that you should throw in the towel. Get right back on your diet the next day. However, if you find you’re constantly giving in to temptations, you may need to adjust your diet to allow for more calories or to make up for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Supplements can help you fill the gaps that may cause your desire to eat more.

Be sure to exercise. If your diet has stalled, you body may have become used to the caloric restrictions. Jump-start your weight loss with exercise—a small increase over your usual levels can make a difference, but if you really want to shed pounds faster, challenge yourself with exercises that are higher in intensity or longer in duration.

Fill up on fillers. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and foods such as dried figs, lentils, yams, and whole grains will help you feel fuller longer and decrease the likelihood that you’ll give in to high-calorie cravings. If you’re having trouble getting enough fiber into your diet, consider fiber supplements.

Try herbal remedies. Several herbs have been used to help people stick to diets. Yerba mate tea, for example, can help speed up the metabolism (which in turn helps to burn more calories). Hoodia extract has been widely praised for its ability to suppress hunger, while bitter orange extract is praised for its fat-burning properties.

I personally fast twice a year too and it's a great way to reset my body and get back on track with my diet.