When starting a new diet, it's common to make mistakes that can set you back and even discourage you from continuing. To achieve your health and fitness goals, it's important to be mindful of these common pitfalls and know how to avoid them. Here are a few mistakes people make when starting a diet, and some tips to help you stay on track.

• Cutting out entire food groups: When starting a new diet, it's easy to get carried away with cutting out entire food groups, such as carbs or fat. This approach can lead to nutrient deficiencies and an unbalanced diet. It's important to have a balanced approach to eating, incorporating all food groups in moderation.

• Rapid weight loss: While it may be tempting to aim for rapid weight loss, this approach is often not sustainable and can lead to a rebound effect. Instead, aim for slow and steady progress, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle that you can maintain in the long term.

• Not tracking food intake: Not tracking what you eat can make it difficult to see where you're going wrong. Keeping a food diary or using a food tracking app can help you see exactly what you're consuming and make healthier choices.

• Restricting calories too much: Cutting your calories too much can lead to decreased energy levels, decreased metabolism and even binge eating. It's important to find a calorie range that works for you and supports your lifestyle.

• Not having a balanced diet: A diet that's too restrictive or unbalanced can lead to nutrient deficiencies and negatively impact your health. Make sure you're eating a variety of foods to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs.

• Focusing on quick fixes and fad diets: Quick fixes and fad diets may provide temporary results, but they're not sustainable in the long term. Instead of chasing the latest diet trend, focus on making healthy and sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle.

To avoid these common mistakes, try these tips:

• Make gradual changes: Instead of making drastic changes, make gradual and small changes that you can maintain in the long term.

• Plan your meals: Plan your meals in advance and make sure you have healthy and nutritious options available.

• Practice moderation: Instead of cutting out entire food groups or restricting calories too much, practice moderation and make healthy choices most of the time.

• Focus on progress, not perfection: Remember that progress is more important than perfection. Focus on making small and sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle, and celebrate your progress along the way.

• Consult a professional: Consulting a dietitian or nutritionist can help you develop a balanced and healthy diet that's tailored to your individual needs.

Starting a new diet can be challenging, but with a mindful approach and these tips in mind, you can achieve your health and fitness goals and avoid common mistakes along the way.

If you are wanting to start a diet and don't know where to start, please reach out and I would love to help you get started today!