The more simple your diet plan is, the easier it will be to stay with it over time. When you make little changes, one at a time, they are more likely to become a part of your regular routine permanently. Take a look at the following simple steps, and try to begin incorporating them into your life, one by one.
A workout buddy is a great tool to achieve your weight loss goal. Having a commitment to workout with someone else, will help you to avoid playing the “excuses dance” for why you won’t go that day. Knowing that someone else is counting on you to show up will help you take that step each day to head to the gym and work off the pounds.
An often overlooked way to successfully lower your weight is to eliminate stress. Stress often disrupts the body’s ability to digest food and process nutrients correctly, so by eliminating stress you help your body be more efficient. Meditation and yoga are highly recommended for stress reduction to help return your body and mind to their optimal states.
When getting in shape, be sure to first invest in a good pair of shoes. When working out, a pair of shoes that fit well and support your ankles can make all the difference. If the shoes you are working out in don’t fit properly, you probably won’t get as much accomplished and might even suffer health problems later in life.
One way to keep your weight down, if you enjoy baked goods, is to look wherever possible for ways to lower fat and raise fiber levels in home-baked products. Applesauce makes a very respectable substitute for oil in many cakes and brownies. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for white flour, up to 100% depending on the recipe (the substitution will be invisible in chocolate brownies, by the way). You’ll substantially lower calories without affecting the taste of your favorite baked goodies.
Lose weight with delicious dip. If you like to have dip with your fruits and vegetables, there is a better alternative to prepackaged dips. Applesauce makes delicious and healthy dip. It is versatile and will not sway you from you weight loss goals. It is particularly tasty with bananas and melons.
Eat five small meals spread out throughout the day rather than three large meals. When calories are distributed in a more even way, blood sugar levels hold steady. When your body releases less insulin, your body controls your hunger levels. Additionally, this helps curb snacking: why have that candy bar now when you could have a healthy meal in three hours?
Consider dropping alcohol from your routine to increase weight loss. Instead of drinking high-calorie alcoholic drinks, drink something with low calories. Plus, the consumption of alcohol is usually followed by food and your judgment as to what to eat is going to be affected.
If you are aiming to lose weight, a great tip to follow is to take a brief walk before you eat lunch or dinner. This gives you some exercise that burns some calories and because you got in some exercise, you will not be as likely to choose an unhealthy option when you eat your meal.
When you are trying to stay on your diet, have a meal before you go to the party. This will help you to stay full during the party so that you are not tempted by the snacks or cake that is usually served. Mixed drinks or beer can be replaced with wine!
If you wish to shed pounds, use motivational techniques. Perhaps a two piece swimsuit that you like. Place these jeans in a location where you’ll see them everyday. Try hanging your motivational item in the dining room or kitchen since you tend to do a lot of eating there.
There is hope for even the most sedentary gamer or couch potato. The Nintendo Wii offers a surprisingly diverse catalog of physically challenging and engaging games, that are both fun and functional in terms of movement. Better still, you can choose a Wii workout program designed for one player or a whole group of friends.
Many people cook almost all of their meals with margarine, butter, or some type of oil. That adds a good amount of unneeded fat and calories to your diet. Using a nonstick cooking spray has the same effect as oil, but without all of the excess fat and calories.
Keep exercising daily if you want to lose weight and keep it off. Despite how busy you may be, you can add strength training or aerobics to many daily activities. As an example, do some pushups while you wait for the elevator.
Don’t throw away your old fat clothes at the first opportunity. Try to keep at least a piece or two from each stage of your loss as this will help you later. As you reach each of your goals try on some of your old clothes to see just how much your body shape has changed!
Green tea has special properties that increase your metabolism, and thus your weight loss. If it tastes a little bitter, add a natural sweetener or a little honey. Black tea is pretty useful as well. It has antioxidants that help rid your system of toxins and can improve your immune system.
Find a weight loss partner who’s similar to you so they can motivate you, not discourage you. Even with the best intentions, some weight loss partners may be a source of frustration simply because of their body type. Men often lose weight faster than women, even if they’re both eating similar amounts or doing the same exercise. Avoid discouragement by choosing a friend who’s the same gender and age.
You can see that these simple tips are easy to implement and will bring you multiple health benefits. Make a commitment to add one or two new steps a week to your daily routine. You are sure to feel better and weigh less in a few months, and you will be able to continue these newly learned behaviors on into the future.
