Don’t go on a diet. Yep, I said it. We all know that going on a diet is pretty much everyone’s new year’s resolution, but most of the time doing this sets you up for failure. Did you know that dieting actually causes your brain to work against you?? Dieting increases your sensitivity to stress, making you seek out a “reward” in the form of high-calorie comfort food. So, instead of dieting, vow to make a lifestyle change instead.

Here are 5 ways you can improve your lifestyle and lose weight without dieting:

1) Don’t skip meals!!

Most of my overweight patients fall into this trap. You may think if you don’t eat you will lose weight, but it actually makes you gain weight because it slows down your metabolism and teaches your body to store fat when you do eat. Be sure to eat 3 meals per day, each including protein, vegetables and healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado oil or organic butter.

2) Eliminate sugar and processed foods.

Eat only foods that you can pronounce and stay away from inflammatory bad fats like partially hydrogenated oils, canola oil and soybean oil. When your body eats things it doesn’t recoginize as food, it creates inflammation, leading to digestive problems, skin issues and pain.

3) Avoid fruit juices, sodas, and smoothies.

Simply replacing these high-sugar drinks with water will help you cut back on calories and sugar tremendously! If you have a sweet tooth, sip on dessert-inspired teas like Tazo tea instead and sweeten with stevia if desired. Squeeze a lemon or lime in your water to give it extra flavor and vitamin C.

4) Replace bread, cereal, pasta, crackers and chips with healthier alternatives.

These high carbohydrate foods are easy to overeat because it takes a lot to feel full. Plus, these carbs turn to sugar, and sugar turns into fat! Swap out these foods for low-carb options like almond flour bread, ungranola cereal, hearts of palm pasta, and organic popcorn.