Entering 2026, many people expect to change their diet to lose weight and live healthier. However, according to experts, many nutritional goals are built unrealistically, leading to early abandonment and negative impacts on long-term health.
Ms. Deepika Dua Arora, nutritionist and therapist, founder of Mutation Diet Clinic (India), believes that a common mistake is following trends. Many people constantly change their eating style, lack patience and do not understand the real needs of the body. This does not help with sustainable weight loss but also causes health disorders, said Ms. Arora.
Avoid unpredictable goals, starting with feasibility
Healthy eating needs to be built from specific habits, suitable for daily life. Here are 11 sustainable nutritional habits to maintain in 2026:
Set realistic nutritional goals, avoid expecting too much weight loss.
Focus on nutritional quality, not just weight, prioritize natural, low-processed foods.
Be patient with changes, understand that sustainable weight loss always takes time.
Choose your favorite form of exercise, such as walking, yoga, swimming to maintain long-term health.
Dividing your goals monthly, instead of planning for the whole year, is a stressful thing.
Adjust your goals according to your life stage, especially for middle-aged people and premenopausal women.
nurturing small habits to stay healthy for a long time
Work with a nutritionist if you have underlying medical conditions or metabolic disorders.
Recognize and appreciate small progress, such as a more relaxed body and better sleep.
Avoid harsh diets and prolonged fasting, as they can easily cause fatigue and deficiency.
Drink enough water every day, aid digestion and control appetite.
Build a support system from family, friends or the same goal community.
"Don't sacrifice your nutrition just to lose weight. Overall health is the top destination, Ms. Deepika Dua Arora emphasized. Eating healthy is not a short-term plan at the beginning of the year but a long-term process. In 2026, perseverance with 11 clear and practical habits will help people improve their health safely and sustainably.
