subject: 10 Realistic Weight Loss Tips [print this page] 10 Realistic Weight Loss Tips 10 Realistic Weight Loss Tips
Quite often weight loss tips involve making huge demanding life changes. These include spending a fortune on dietary supplements, long grueling hours in the gym, and eating food that even a rabbit would twitch its nose at. Although most of this advice will 'work' if followed, they often don't take into account that we are dealing with human beings who have lives to lead. The more demanding the life changes are, the less likely you are going to follow them over a long period of time. This can result in yo-yo dieting where people's weight constantly bounces up and down, which is not good for the body.
Long term success is what most of us seek. Therefore we need to make permanent life style changes in order to benefit from permanent body changes.
Here are some simple tips that can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle to help you lose weight and keep it off. Read these through a few times, then pin it up somewhere prominent and look at it daily as a reminder. I like to stick these things on my fridge.
Take responsibility for your weight. The laws of physics clearly state that you must lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. It's all down to you no excuses. Regularly remind yourself of this.
Always leave something with every meal, even if it's just a very small amount. Many people eat too much because they were brought up to eat everything on their plate no matter how full they feel. Leaving something on the plate every meal keeps you in the habit of being prepared to leave some food when you are satisfied. This tip can really help.
Eat only when hungry. It might sound obvious, but many people eat before they are hungry. Our bodies know how much fuel we need, and tells us by triggering feelings of hunger. Eating before you are hungry means over eating which leads to weight gain. There is nothing wrong with feeling a little hungry between meals you will not starve!
Eat slower. It takes time for our brains to register that our stomach is full. Eating more slowly gives your brain more time to register when it is satisfied.
Be more active. Try to find some exercise that you enjoy, or at least despise the least! If you enjoy it then you are more likely to stick to it. Some people love going to the gym, other people love playing competitive sports. We are all different so try and find what works best for you. Try to incorporate more activity into your daily life, such as walking or cycling to work.
Read labels on food. It's surprising how many foods imply that they are low in calories or sugar when in reality they are not. For example 'low fat' mayonnaise still typically contains around 40% fat. With all the best will in the world, if you don't read up on the nutritional values of food items then you could be consuming more calories than you realise.
Avoid carbohydrates late at night. Avoid foods with high levels of carbohydrates in the evenings. These include foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, and any sugary snacks. Just because they are low in fat doesn't mean that they don't contain calories that you will store as fat.
Discover why you overeat. If you eat out of boredom, then find new ways to entertain yourself. Perhaps taking up a sport could ease the boredom, and you will also burn off extra calories. If you have other problems such as a lack of confidence or low self esteem, then find a way of dealing with them. Accept that life is a challenge and face them challenges, rather than hide from them. Hypnotherapy can also help.
Reduce your intake of sugary drinks. The calories in sugary drinks can stack up, especially if you add sugar and cream to coffee. Try getting to like black coffee with no sugar. Even fruit juice drinks contain a lot of calories. Try drinking a few glasses of water per day and opting for sugar free drinks. If you must drink alcohol then try drinks such as vodka or whiskey with low calorie mixers.
Be realistic. Remind yourself that you cannot live like a monk and the occasional indulgence is fine. Don't feel guilty. Enjoy your indulgence and then move on. Be honest with yourself and admit when you are indulging. Don't try to kid yourself.
