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Step 1
Determine which diet option best suits your needs and research the requirements for following the diet. For example, when choosing a high-protein diet, find out which foods are highest in protein and find out how they can be incorporated into a diet plan.
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Step 2
Use a calendar to set a start and end date to your diet and to document your progress. The calendar also helps you when you're creating meal plans and grocery lists. Remind yourself to write down everything you ate on a daily basis to help track your progress.
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Step 3
Creating a grocery list gives you more control over what you eat. Start by detailing your grocery list to the requirements of your diet plan. Write down all the foods that you consume in a week. Include the foods you buy from the grocery store, as well as the foods you may order as take-out from restaurants. This will give you insight on the foods you are eating currently in your diet. Creating a grocery list can also help you devise healthy alternatives to any unhealthy foods you may currently be eating.
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Step 4
Use your grocery lists to coordinate the foods you consume into a meal plan. For example, if your diet allows tomato sauce, purchase a jar of tomato sauce and create several recipes including tomato sauce throughout the week. You should create at least six small meals for the day, including snacks. Creating your meals a day before creates a commitment to the diet plan. It allows you to think about your food choices. Meal-planning removes the decision-making process that may lead you to make a bad food choice.
