Six Diet Trials steps

Edited to say: I wanted to post this in the hpw8watchers LJ, but didn't. Argh.
Well, I hope you won't mind reading this. Diet Trials was a BBC series that monitored a scientific study of four diets: Slim Fast, Dr. Atkins (low carb), Rosemary Conley (low fat) and Weight Watchers (calorie control). The Conley and WW diets seem to be the most sustainable; Atkins is a quick fix, but unhealthy in the long run.

I've turned to dieting literature again for two reasons:
1) my husband has a BMI of 29. So we need to watch his weight
2) I've ditched my diet. I feel so much more energetic now. Better. Happier.
But - the temptation of sweets is in my life again. Cutting out sugar doesn't
equip me with ways of dealing with the hunger for something sweet and soothing,
because I haven't quite addressed the psychological issues behind this.
- Eating when I'm bored
- Eating when I want to comfort myself
This is what I need to work on now. I can get my sweet fixes in healthy ways, now
all I need to do is make sure I "sanitise" my attitude to food. Such as eating
until I'm full, then stopping.

*** *** ***

these are the six steps recommended in the book that accompanies the BBC Diet Trials series.

Step 1: Plan your assault on the toxic environment
We're being enticed to eat more, eat more fattening food, and
exercise less. No wonder we consume less calories and are fatter than ever.

Step 2: set smart goals
eating well is a skill that needs to be learned, like crotcheting or show-
jumping. Be easy on yourself.

Step 3: make the most of your food by eating a balanced diet. (cf. recent article in
Scientific American and the Food Pyramid)
eat differently - identify where you can make small changes
in the right direction
shop smart: read food labels

Step 4: get your head straight bout food. That means: be honest with yourself about
your eating habits and attitudes and change unhealthy attitudes

Step 5: Energise your daily life.
Get some exercise. Build it into your day

Step 6: Sustain. Now that you have the skills to manage your weight, keep at it,
monitor and restrain yourself. The overall goal is to lose weight by
gradually developing healthy eating habits

That's it, folks! The book is very well written and helpful.

Percival