How to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle (from SouthBeachDiet.com)

The number of people suffering from obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions and the occurrence of related ailments, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, has increased as well. In an effort to spread awareness about making smart food choices and developing healthy eating habits, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recognizes March as National Nutrition Month. Two critical steps in leading a healthy lifestyle are to follow a healthy eating plan and to exercise regularly, so you’re off to a good start with the South Beach Diet.
But remember, the South Beach Diet is about far more than just achieving your weight-loss goals. As you make the diet your lifestyle, you’ll also improve your health and energy and renew your confidence. That said, it’s always good to reflect on what it takes to get there. Here are 5 guidelines that fit right in with our South Beach Diet philosophy. Take a look:

1. Stick to a healthy eating plan. The South Beach Diet is all about incorporating more healthy foods into your diet without sacrificing taste. With the daily release of new and often-conflicting studies telling you what’s good for you and what’s not, it’s important to follow a realistic healthy eating plan that has stood the test of time. The South Beach Diet already has.
2. Try new recipes to keep your diet fresh and exciting. Food boredom can often derail your weight-loss efforts. Experimenting with recipes and ingredients you haven’t tried before will keep mealtime interesting and make sticking to the diet easier and more enjoyable. For easy Meal Plans and more than 1,000 recipe ideas, check out SouthBeachDiet.com.
3. Eat in moderation, but don’t deprive yourself. It’s important to think about portion size at mealtime, but if you get too caught up with “rules” you can set yourself up for failure. One of the benefits of the South Beach Diet is that you can enjoy healthy meals without having to count or measure, whether it’s calories, fat grams, carbohydrates, or anything else. Moreover, if you include a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack and the occasional dessert, as is encouraged on the South Beach Diet, you’ll feel satisfied all day long.
4. Pursue an exercise plan that you can maintain. Getting regular exercise should be fun. Consider adding a new activity like yoga, Pilates, swimming, or Latin or belly dancing to your routine. Then sign up for classes at a local Y or gym. Or try interval walking outdoors in your neighborhood. Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet, provides an interval-walking program in his book The South Beach Diet Supercharged. Whatever exercise plan you decide to undertake, be sure to create a schedule that you can stick to and that will allow you to work out at least 20 minutes a day.
5. Seek out the right support. Look to your friends and family for encouragement. They may want to join you as you embark on your journey to a healthier life, but even if they don’t actively participate, they can still offer support. If friends or family aren't available, you can find a new friend to follow the plan with you on the South Beach Diet Message Boards. Not a member? Join today!