subject: 10 Easy Weight Loss Tips That Everyone Should Know [print this page] 10 Easy Weight Loss Tips That Everyone Should Know
I battled weight loss for most of my life before truly committing to a healthy lifestyle and losing 65 pounds. Here are ten common-sense tips that helped me lose the weight and keep it off for good.
1. Get a good weight scale.
A good scale is essential for many reasons and you don't have to spend a fortune on one. Instead of features, focus on a weight scale that reports an accurate weight. Also, put the scale on a hard, level floor to get an accurate reading.
2. Weigh-in regularly and consistently.
Always weigh-in at the same time (with or without clothes), so you can compare one weight to the next. Perhaps weigh-in first thing in the morning or right before bed.
3. Really, honestly, and truly commit to losing weight.
At some point, you have to say "enough is enough". Start by making a list of all of the reasons that motivate you. Also, realize that losing weight has to become a lifestyle change if you want it to stay off.
4. Track your weight.
One of the best things you can do to lose weight is to track your weight over time. There's something about the process that is very motivating and the sense of commitment that comes with it is amazing.
5. Keep your sanity when you gain weight.
It's not unusual to have a great day or week of eating and exercising, only to step on the scale and see a small weight gain. Stay positive. Your weight will come back down (and more).
6. A diet plan that works for someone else may not work for you.
It may take some time to find a diet plan that fits into your lifestyle. The sooner you can figure out what works for you, the happier you'll be.
7. If you don't buy it, you can't eat it.
Avoid stocking your cabinets with foods and snacks that are bad for your diet. It forces you to commit to healthy eating. If it's not on your shelf, then you won't be able to eat it when your willpower is weak.
8. Keep a food diary.
A food diary keeps you accountable, it forces you to be honest with yourself, and it opens your eyes as to what you're eating. You'll learn a lot about yourself in the process and that will benefit you greatly down the road.
9. Don't skip meals.
Not eating is not the solution. When your body goes without food, it goes into "starvation mode", where your metabolism slows down and the body tries to preserve itself. When you eat regularly your metabolism stays up and your body burns more calories (and fat).
10. Eat breakfast!
When you eat breakfast it wakes your body up and gets your metabolism moving. It's an injection of energy. Your body starts burning calories almost immediately. Say "yes" to a healthy breakfast every day.
Copyright (c) 2011 Quite Healthy Technologies. You have permission to reproduce this article online or in print as long as it is copied in full without changes and includes the following statement: "Article by Brad Marcum, founder of Quite Healthy Technologies and original creator of Weight-By-Date diet software. You can learn more about Brad and his company at weightbydate.com."
