Weight loss can be a major accomplishment or a major stumbling block for you. This type of life improvement is not rocket science, but it does require knowledge so that you don’t end up losing too much at once or not eating enough. This list of tips should help you lose the weight in a healthy manner.
When you are trying to lose weight, it is really helpful to have a weight loss buddy. Having someone you know and trust, to share your successes and challenges with, makes the path to getting fit much easier. Find someone who shares the same goal of getting healthy and touch base with him or her regularly. so that you both can compare notes and encourage each other.
A great way to lose weight is to cut down on all the fat-laden condiments you use. Eliminating butter from your diet is a start. Many salad dressings are also very high in fat. It’s always best to opt for low-fat, non-fat or sugar-free condiments.
Having trouble losing those last few pounds? Try increasing the amount of effort you put into your workouts or energy you put into your daily activity. Your body may have become accustomed to your daily routine and is using less calories (energy) to complete those tasks. By increasing the intensity, you’re increasing the amount of energy your body is using in each activity.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work everyday and it will help you lose as much as 10 pounds a year. Taking the extra 5 minutes out of your day to take the stairs means you will not have to force yourself to exercise later when you will be easily distracted.
Changing your schedule around can make it a lot easier to stay on a diet. For example: Overweight people used to eating three meals a day are obviously snacking in between, so if you change around your schedule and eat smaller meals at closer intervals, you can avoid those junk-food cravings by eating healthier, small meals.
If you’re married, a dual diet might just be your ticket to losing weight. Trying a diet together is a great way to stay motivated. The two of you may start a little competition with one another and at the very least, you will have your partner there, to always remind you that you’re supposed to be on a diet.
To measure how well you are doing when you decide to lose weight, take a picture of yourself before you begin your weight loss. This can help you stay motivated and once you reach your weight loss goal you can look back and see all that you have accomplished. You can help inspire other family members to lose weight by showing them the photos.
Never skip meals if you can help it. Although most people find it difficult to fit in three square meals every day, the benefits of eating regularly multiple times during waking hours cannot be overlooked. Depriving your body of food for extended periods of time can put your system in “starvation mode” – when you finally do eat, the body works quickly to store the nutrients in the form of fat.
If you are a big fan of having a bagel with cream cheese in the mornings you do have to change that as long as you follow a couple of rules. Eat a whole wheat bagel instead of one made with white flour and eat it with fat-free cream cheese or sugar-free peanut butter, which would save a lot of calories and/or fat.
Preventing weight gain when you have a sedentary job can be difficult. Most jobs require lots of time promoting a sedentary attitude. Do not have a assistant deliver things to co-workers, walk over and do it yourself. You will feel better and maintain a healthier weight.
A sneaky way to help you lose weight is to wear ankle weights while you do your daily duties. It increases the effort it takes for you to move around, which will help your body burn calories. You can also wear wrist weights, but they’ll be more obvious and can get in the way.
Try to eat a vegetable with at least every meal. For breakfast, you can have a herb salad mixed with hummus, like tabouleh, which is high in protein and fiber and tastes amazing. Raw vegetables are great for lunch. You can even dip them in a low-fat homemade dip. Plain steamed cauliflower or broccoli for dinner, and you’re good for the day!
As you can see, there is a lot more to weight loss than most people think. It requires a lot of work and patience but it will be worth it in the end to help yourself live healthier. By following the above tips, you are well on your way to getting the body you want.