Take a quick look at the weight loss section in any bookstore, or glance over the internet, and you will find any number of books and articles that claim different ways to lose weight quickly and effortlessly. You likely have realized, however, that fad diets simply don’t work. But what does?
Plan out your meals for the week and as you begin each day follow your plan accordingly. When you plan out what meals you are going to eat and when, it leaves less room for spontaneity and less of a chance you could slip from your diet and eat fast food. When you are going on a diet, you have to commit, and part of committing is planning.
When attempting to lose weight, it’s generally a good idea to get a physical. When you get a physical, your doctor will let you know if there are any medical conditions you need to be aware of, or if they’ll restrict you. It’s also important to get your thyroid checked.
One of the best ways to lose weight is by eating grapefruit. Studies have shown that when grapefruit is eaten with protein, it triggers fat burning and in turn, causes weight loss. So the next time you go grocery shopping, grab some grapefruit when you enter the produce area.
If you want to lose weight set realistic goals. If you set more realistic goals you will be more likely to stick to them. If you tell yourself you are only going to eat celery every day, it’s not likely you will stick to that and you’ll be right back where you started.
If you find yourself really craving a specific unhealthy food, give in to it. If you are successful in staying on your diet it is good to reward yourself with a small dessert or glass of wine. Don’t think that doing this means you’ve failed to follow your diet. It simply means that you know you’re doing a good job with your weight loss plan. You shouldn’t, however, reward yourself for every little thing. Your new diet is a part of your lifestyle, not just a punishment.
To keep from being discouraged, set reasonable weight loss goals. Often, people want to see big results fast, and give up when they don’t. Aim to lose about one to two pounds a week. It’s a goal most should be able to hit easily. It may seem like slow going, but those pounds add up fast and losing weight the right way will help you keep the pounds off.
When you use your kitchen or eating area for activities other than eating or preparing meals, you are setting yourself up for weight gain. By doing your computer work at the kitchen table, you are more likely to eat more because you are in closer proximity to an easy snack.
When you are attempting to lose weight, surround yourself with people who can serve as positive encouragement to reach your goals. Friends and family are the best, as they will want to see you succeed and get to where you want to be. Use their support as motivation to get to where you desire.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to hold yourself accountable to a healthy eating regimen is to keep a daily log of everything you eat or drink over the course of the day. You have a number of options here: Keep a small notebook or pad of paper with you or log onto any of the dozen or so online food intake trackers offered free of charge. If you have an iPhone or other Smartphone, there are also a variety of easy to use apps that serve the same purpose, many of which are free or less than one dollar.
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!
If you can’t stand stand diet drinks, try mixing the two and slowly changing up the ratio. The amount of sugar and calories in the mixed beverage will be less than if you didn’t add the diet version at all. As you adjust to the new taste, you can reduce the calorie count even further.
If a diet sounds too good to be true, it often is. So steer clear of fad diets and pills, and apply instead the tips and suggestions presented here in this article. They have worked for countless people who have been able to take weight off, and keep it off.