Dieting is one of those things that almost always fails in the long term. In fact, recent studies have shown that people who “diet” tend to gain more weight over time.

So, how do you lose weight and keep it off without dieting?

Firstly, you have to think about food and nutrition in context of your health instead of weight loss. The key is to focus on whether a particular food is healthy, and not to think about whether it will make you fat or skinny.

Secondly, you need to consider the micronutrient content of the food you eat. This includes naturally occurring fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Micronutrients are found in whole, fibre rich foods. These foods also help to increase the feeling of fullness, delay the stomach emptying, make it expand and promote the release of satiety hormones. Furthermore, many types of fibre can feed the friendly gut bacteria. Healthy gut bacteria have been linked with a reduced risk of obesity. Ultimately, a high intake of micro-nutrients makes us eat less calories naturally, without having to think about it.

Processed, manufactured ‘food’ has had the micronutrients removed. One reason for this is that the nutrients in food cause it to spoil, and since the purpose of processing is to extend shelf life, nutrients are actually a problem for food manufacturers. So keep in mind that packaged and processed foods are “de-natured” and propped up with additives to make them sound healthier and look better. All of which is unhelpful for your body.

Thirdly, you should adjust the energy density of your food to suit your lifestyle and be thoughtful about your personal choices. Choose whole foods, eat a wide variety of these foods, but keep in mind that starchy foods like grains and potatoes are for very active people. Animal products have limited nutritional value and are very high in calories.

If you eat for health and not for weight loss, you will find you will lose weight over time and your body will achieve its ideal weight naturally.

And lastly – try “Mindful Eating”. “Mindful” eating is an observational technique, which is used to increase your awareness of what you are eating. It helps you to develop awareness of your hunger and overindulgence cues. It helps you to make conscious food choices in response to those cues. Mindful eating has had significant effects on weight, healthy eating behaviour and stress management. It is especially helpful in managing binge eating and emotional eating.

By increasing awareness of your food intake it helps you to make better food choices so weight management can come more naturally. Eat to become a healthier, happier, fitter person — not just to lose weight.

Eat foods as close to nature as possible rather than refined and “de-natured” food and your body will love you back!!

This book contains 100 mouth-wateringly delicious, easy to prepare recipes that will help you eat your way to good health…naturally.