Most of us have probably tried a few different diets throughout our lifetimes. It’s common knowledge by now that fad diets are never a good idea. Sticking to the tried and true methods of eating properly balanced meals and getting regular exercise are the simplest and most efficient ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight!

Now, when I say simple, I don’t mean it’s going to be easy. I, of all people, understand how daunting it is to try and make a big lifestyle change. The dedication it takes is not always quick to come by. However, if you can find something that works for you, creating a regular routine eventually becomes more than doable!

I have lost and gained large amounts of weight several times in the last decade. The gaining has, of course, not been part of my plans. So now I am in the midst of a low carb diet and hoping for the best.

The thing is, I was initially terrified of a low carb diet because I thought I’d have to cut out everything I normally eat. Luckily, I was wrong. When you cut down on the carbs you take in, you can supplement them with proteins and fats. That means all the delicious meats and cheeses your heart desires are perfectly acceptable. Yay!

Some think, understandably so, that we need carbs for energy. The old food pyramid pushed that same idea. But did you know that the FDA was actually paid off by sugar corporations to list carbs as a necessary part of a well-balanced diet? It’s actually a myth! In the absence of carbs, your body will turn to burning fat to get energy. Hello, healthy weight loss.

Now, I’m not someone who can realistically cut out a food group in its entirety on a whim. However, I’ve been able to drastically lower the number of carbs I eat daily by simply paying attention to labels and preparing meals rather than buying packaged foods.

It’s actually saving my money at the grocery store, too, since cooking meals results in leftovers I can eat for days. And I am no cook. But somehow I have managed to cook so many delicious meals following simple low carb recipes online.

Trust me, it’s really made a difference in how I feel daily. I haven’t been living this lifestyle choice for long, but the energy and confidence I have is unmistakeable. And, if I can make it work with my questionable motivation, I know that anyone can.