What not to do on a diet
- Don't set a time limit. It takes the time it takes, and that's all there is to it. If you feel you might lose 20 lbs in 4 weeks, or press yourself to lose no less than 5 lbs the first week, you may not meet your goal - a perfect recipe for disappointment and for giving up.
- Don't expect your life to be the same. Going on a diet with the intention of losing weight is a serious endeavor, and if you do it right, you can expect it to affect every aspect of your life.
- Don't put yourself in the position of having to do a lot of work for other people. If you are the main provider of food for your family, see if you can get them on board and eating meals that are on your diet plan. Otherwise, even the most dedicated dieter can be too tempted.
- Don't berate yourself for falling off your diet here and there. It actually helps to have these slips when dieting, as long as you get back on the diet. That's the way to do it. If you can make mistakes, and not give up but keep going anyway, your chances of success are increased manyfold.