A Dietitian Explains Why You Need to Ditch the Diet If You Want to Lose Weight

POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

If you've been on every diet imaginable and are still not able to lose weight, a registered dietitian has some tips for you — not just for losing weight, but also for keeping weight off and actually enjoying the benefits of healthy living.

Kimberly Gomer, RD and director of nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa, is not a fan of diets — but she is a total expert in weight loss. Here's what she says will help you lose that weight and feel your healthiest.

  1. Don't go on a diet! Wait, what? Yep, she's serious. Gomer says not to go on a diet. Instead? Go on a "lifestyle change." She said, "Bring sleep, exercise, and healthy eating into your life." This way, you'll actually enjoy the benefits. Sounds nice to us!
  2. Find a sustainable eating plan. "Crash, fad diets won't last in the long term," said Gomer. If you can't stick to the diet for the rest of your life, then don't do it. "Once you revert back to your old eating habits, the weight will come back on."
  3. Don't multitask. By this she means don't eat while you're watching TV, using the computer, on the phone, driving, etc. Attune your brain to your stomach by focusing when you're eating. If you're doing other things while you're eating, Gomer said your "satiety signal" in your brain malfunctions (this means your brain doesn't know if you're full or not!).
  4. Practice mindful eating. Similar to the last point, be more conscious of why you're eating. Are you eating because you're actually hungry or because you're bored or stressed?
  5. Put the highest quality fuel in your body. Gomer equates this to fruits and vegetables. "Recent research shows that fruits and veggies make you happier!" She told us about a study showing people who ate eight servings a day of fruits and vegetables experienced happiness levels similar to when people land a new job.