Most of us, maybe even all of us, like to keep things simple whenever possible.  This is even true for our dieting plans.  A recent study in the journal Appetite reports that many of us find it difficult to stick with a complex diet plan.

In this new study from Germany, researchers compared two different diet plans, one complex and one simple.  The complexity of the diet plan was determined by an analysis of the books associated with each diet (objective complexity) and ratings from dieters who had never used either plan (perceived complexity). The complex diet plan used a point system where dieters had to calculate points based on food consumption and exercise levels.  The simple plan was a recipe-based diet plan that provided all the recipes and shopping lists for each meal, thus dieters had only to follow the meal plans.  The main results of this study showed that the odds of quitting the simple diet plan was not affected by dieters perceived complexity.  In contrast, the higher perceived complexity of the more complex diet increased the odds of quitting the diet by over 50%.  Self-confidence in the dieters’ ability to stick to the program was also a good indicator of their dieting success for both the simple and complex diet plans.  The overall results of this study suggests that dieters will have a more difficult time successfully sticking to a diet that appears to be complex and difficult to follow.

The results of this study emphasize the importance of a simple, easy-to-follow diet plan.  An easy diet plan theoretically will lead to staying on the diet plan longer and most truly successful weight management programs are ones that incorporate long term lifestyle changes.  By making appropriate lifestyle changes over a long period of time, we generally are more likely to develop healthier eating habits, lose weight at a healthy rate, and keep the weight off longer.

Dr. Tabor’s Slim & Beautiful Diet is one such easy plan.  For Dr. Tabor’s Slim & Beautiful Diet plan, simply enjoy:

•  1 specially formulated bar or shake for breakfast
•  1 specially formulated bar or shake for lunch.
•  A sensible meal (or pre-packaged entrée) for dinner
•  Include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
•  Include 30 – 45 minutes of exercise per day for 6 days each week

By keeping your diet plan simple, you can increase your chances of successfully reaching your weight loss goals.

Healthy Eating!

Reference

Mata J, Todd PM, Lippke S.  When weight management lasts: lower perceived rule complexity increases adherence.  Appetite 2009; In Press, doi:10.1016/j.appet.2009.09.004