The Healthy Diet Plan Nutritionists Use to Lose Weight

Look at the big picture

As a practicing registered dietitian, I recommend my clients take a step back before they make dinner and look at their pattern for the day. Did you have a healthy, lighter breakfast and lunch? Then reward yourself with a small “treat” at dinner. Aim for around 150 calories, whether it’s a glass of wine, a bit of ice cream, or a couple of squares of dark chocolate.

On the other hand, if you went out for brunch and ate more than you planned (darn mimosas!), have a lighter dinner. By not depriving yourself but also being realistic about how you’re doing, you can lose weight and keep it off. I call it the 80/20 rule: eat as healthy as you can 80 percent of the time and enjoy less healthy options 20 percent of the time. Just make sure you avoid these daily food mistakes even healthy people make.

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