Hey guys, I'm new to the whole fitness and health journey and I have some doubts about dieting. I hear a lot of people saying that dieting means depriving yourself of food that you love, but that seems really difficult to stick to. Is that really what dieting is about? Or can I still enjoy the food I love and find balance while keeping healthy? I want to make sure I'm doing this right and not sabotaging myself by setting unrealistic goals.

Hello everyone, I used to think that losing weight was all about restricting yourself and eating only "clean" foods. I tried this approach, but it left me feeling drained and like I was missing out on some of the pleasure that eating can bring. It was a constant battle, and eventually, I gave up.
After that experience, I decided to change my approach completely. I started my journey by thinking of food in terms of nourishment instead of restriction. I didn't go for fad diets, instead aimed for a balanced diet focused on nutrient-dense foods, which I knew would fuel my body and make me feel good.
I found that planning was key to achieving this balance. I made a meal plan for the week and prepared meals at home, so healthy food was always available. I also began to experiment with healthy recipes and found many new foods I hadn't tried before.
Another change I made was to listen to my body more. Instead of eating to satisfy a craving, I began to eat when I was truly hungry and stopped when I was satisfied. This shift helped me to pay attention to my body's signals and ultimately reduce my portions.
Finally, I found exercising to be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. I discovered exercises that I enjoyed, such as yoga and hiking, and made them a part of my routine. Not only did exercise help me physically, but it also helped uplift my mood.
To summarise, my best advice is to focus on healthy eating habits, listen to your body, and make small, sustainable changes that work for you. It's not a quick fix, but a long-term journey towards a healthier and happier you.