Health

4 Habits That Are More Productive Than Dieting

How many times have you tried a fad diet? They're often restrictive and can potentially lead to regaining the weight you've lost, or worse, with extra kilos on the side. Instead of focusing purely on weight loss as a marker for success why not try these four more productive healthy habits, which are equally as important as weight loss:

Focus on body love

When you diet there is a large drive towards body hate and shame. When you flip this on its head and focus on what you love about your body and life the mentality shifts everything, including your actions. You are setting yourself up to create daily habits that nourish your mind and body for a lifetime of health.

Body love

Prioritise health over the number on the scales

Instead of focusing on the weight you will lose to be healthy, focus on the actions you will bring to your life to give your body optimal health. Health is not a picture-perfect image on a magazine cover but is the essence of life itself. Health, both mentally and physically, will drive your best self into the future and allow you to give more to others and yourself.

Focus on nourishment

Instead of thinking in calories, think in nutrients. The benefits each macronutrient group and food group provide your body are amazing and restricting any of these can lead to ill health. If you focus on most of your food being nutrient dense there is always room for the 'sometimes' foods or drinks in the middle. Life is about balance and having a holistic view on your eating patterns allows you to enjoy life and will provide your body with all the nutrients it needs at the same time.

Nourish your body

Find ways you love to move

Exercise should not be chore but a joy. If you find stepping on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day is not satisfying, then it is time to change things up. Try a group fitness class, which can help your social health as well as your physical, jump on a bike and ride around the lake with your family, or do crazy dancing in your home; whatever brings you joy while doing it.

Love exercise

Take home message: your value does not rely upon a number on a scale. Your health cannot be measured simply by your weight and is far more valuable. Take action to add positive changes to add health to your life and focus what you can give rather than take away.

Ashleigh Feltham

Article by Ashleigh Feltham

Ashleigh is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and owner of Feed Your Future Dietetics. She holds a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and a Bachelor of Human Nutrition. Ashleigh is also a qualified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and has been working in the fitness industry for over 10 years. Ashleigh was an elite gymnast as well as an elite rock climber where she represented Australia for four years. She believes everyone deserves to live a life of health and wellness. Ashleigh is passionate about helping people achieve their highest quality of life through nutrition, mental health and exercise.

Love Health?

From recipes, trends and discounts, expect great things via email this month.

More Great Reads!

Tea

5 Types of Tea you have got to try!

Behind the brand

Behind The Brand: Antipodes

Lifestyle

How Reconnecting With Nature Can Benefit Your Health

Recipes We Love!

Recipe

Clever Cookies

Recipe

Ham & Feta Baby Quiches

Recipe

Warming Spiced Quinoa Porridge

Join the conversation!