If you've tried every calorie-restricting diet out there but still can't keep the weight off, there's a reason: Diets don't work.
Over time, the majority of dieters regain any weight they may have lost, according to researchers who pored over a slew of diet studies recently. So instead of counting calories . . .
Eat for Good Health
The concept that you can permanently shrink yourself by temporarily eating less is mostly bunk -- for most of us. In fact, the health benefits of short-term weight loss still need to be closely examined. Instead, your goal should be to eat nutritious foods that make you younger -- and make that a lifelong habit. The good news? Your waist may shrink as a fringe benefit.
Getting Started
Kick-start your lifelong healthy-eating habits with these tips:
RealAge Benefit: Developing a RealAge Plan can make your RealAge as much as 29 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
Over time, the majority of dieters regain any weight they may have lost, according to researchers who pored over a slew of diet studies recently. So instead of counting calories . . .
Eat for Good Health
The concept that you can permanently shrink yourself by temporarily eating less is mostly bunk -- for most of us. In fact, the health benefits of short-term weight loss still need to be closely examined. Instead, your goal should be to eat nutritious foods that make you younger -- and make that a lifelong habit. The good news? Your waist may shrink as a fringe benefit.
Getting Started
Kick-start your lifelong healthy-eating habits with these tips:
- Focus on your waist, not your weight. (Learn why your waist size is key to a younger RealAge.)
- Eat three main meals, plus snacks, so you're never hungry. (Sign on to use this online meal planner and shopping-list generator.)
- Don't buy anything with more than 4 grams of saturated fat or 4 grams of any sugar (especially high-fructose corn syrup) per serving.
- Strive for a rainbow of colors in your meals. Here's how to do that.
- Eat a little healthy fat -- like a handful of walnuts -- about 20 minutes before a meal. It will take the edge off, so you won't be tempted to overeat. (Here are some good pre-meal options.)
- Eat a fiber-rich breakfast every day. (Check out RealAge's picks for the best morning meals.)
- Walk every day for 30 minutes. (Compare your walking successes with an online fitness buddy.)
RealAge Benefit: Developing a RealAge Plan can make your RealAge as much as 29 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
