Rule #1: Reintroduce Food Groups One Week at a Time
Since your body has been without these foods for the past couple of weeks, it might have a reaction to them when they’re reintroduced into your diet. Start by testing each food with a half-cup serving to minimize the effect of any potential reactions.
Add 2% milk, low-fat cheese and butter back into your diet. If you feel fine, continue eating dairy. If you bloat, gain weight or feel moody, cut ties with the food group.
- Week 2: Low-Glycemic Fruits
Start incorporating pears, oranges, mangoes and peaches back into your diet if you’d like.
- Week 3: Whole Grain Carbs
Introduce whole-grain bread, pasta and ancient grains back into your diet, but do it before 2 p.m.
Rule #2: Avoid Packaged Snack Foods
These types of snacks will pack on the pounds, so eat protein-based snacks such as hummus and veggies, hard-boiled eggs, turkey roll-ups and chickpeas instead. You should especially avoid sugary and diet snacks with artificial sweeteners.
Rule #3: Weigh Yourself Every Morning
People that weigh in every day have more long-term success. Look at the scale as your ally. Whether the number goes up or down, it can help you figure out what isn’t working and what you can get away with. Remember, the scale isn’t about getting a grade; it’s motivation to make progress.