How to Do the 20/20 Diet: 13 Steps
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The 20/20 Diet, developed by Dr. Phil McGraw, is designed to help you lose weight by focusing on 20 key foods to increase your metabolism and help you feel fuller longer. In this article, we will break down the 20/20 Diet into 13 easy-to-follow steps so you can successfully reach your weight loss goals.
1. Get Familiar with The 20 Key Foods: The foundation of the diet is understanding the 20 foods that make up this plan. These include coconut oil, green tea, mustard, olive oil, almonds, apples, chickpeas, dried plums, prunes, leafy greens, lentils, peanut butter, pistachios, raisins, yogurt, eggs, codfish, rye bread, tofu and whey powder.
2. Start with a Clean Slate: Clear your kitchen of processed foods and stock up on the 20 key foods.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Determine how much weight you want to lose and set a reasonable timeline for achieving it.
4. Create a Meal Plan: Plan your meals around the 20 key foods and incorporate them throughout each meal.
5. Follow the Four Phases: The 20/20 Diet is divided into four phases:
– Phase 1 (Days 1-5): Focus on consuming only the 20 key foods.
– Phase 2 (Days 6-10): Add additional approved foods and allow some flexibility in meals.
– Phase 3 (Days 11-29): Personalize the diet by incorporating additional food options.
– Phase 4 (Day 30+): Maintain your new healthy lifestyle after completing the first three phases
6. Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy at all times and aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
7. Journal Your Progress: Keeping track of your meals, exercise and daily milestones can help reinforce your commitment to the diet
8. Try New Recipes: Experiment with different combinations of the 20 key foods to keep your taste buds satisfied.
9. Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to boost metabolism and burn calories.
10. Don’t Skip Meals: Stick to three main meals and two snacks each day, ensuring that you don’t get too hungry throughout the day.
11. Prepare for Cravings and Triggers: Keep healthier alternatives on hand for when you feel a craving for something unhealthy or high in calories.
12. Maintain a Support System: Share your progress with supportive friends or family members who can help encourage you along the way.
13. Be Patient and Persistent: Understand that weight loss takes time and effort, but by following these steps consistently, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
By incorporating these 13 steps into your daily routine, you can successfully implement the 20/20 Diet to achieve lasting weight loss results. Stay committed and maintain consistency, and you’ll soon see the positive impact this diet has on both your body and overall well-being.