When it comes to healthy weight loss, one of the secrets of success is to eat a balanced diet. Balance here means eating the right amount of nutritious food. In our fast food, take-out world, it is easy to get the quantities wrong and also miss out on the quality.
Getting back to the basics is important. Instead of snacking constantly during the day, do your best to eat three regular meals. Cook or have your food cooked using wholesome, natural ingredients, and then eat in a relaxed, mindful manner. It is not only a question of what you eat but how you eat that counts.
You may be surprised to know that in France, the land of indulgent cheeses and gourmet foods, people, in general, stay slim. The reason is apparent once you go to a local outdoor market where large quantities of fresh vegetables are sold. The French prepare balanced meals and still manage to eat together more often.
So, sit down with your family and friends and eat nice meals together. If you are troubled by “demon hunger” during the day, eat a few pieces of fruit rather than a donut or any other fattening food.
While there are many fad diets (low fat, low carb, paleo etc.) that are being promoted today, it is far better if you can settle into a way of life that you can easily and happily follow for the rest of your life.
The vegetarian diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk products. While this diet has benefits, you still have to be mindful that if you have too much all the time and do not exercise, then it can still lead to weight gain.
Substitute meat dishes with soy products, lentils, other legumes, and whole grains. You can get enough protein (especially if you also consume nuts and milk products) so you don’t have to worry about it.
You can also enjoy yourself in the process. Instead of an ice cream thick shake, blend together fruits, juice, and yogurt and make a healthy smoothie. Losing weight does not require you to suffer; it is only a question of choosing your food well and balancing your lifestyle.
If you want to lose weight in a long-term basis, you have to change your diet or your pattern of exercise or both. Try out a balanced vegetarian diet and if you find it helpful, you can stick with it for the rest of your life.
Ingrid Nieto-Pagulayan 
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