subject: Exercise And Diet For Weight Loss [print this page] It's that time againIt's that time again. Remember rationalizing last November that there was no point in dieting? After all, the holidays were nearly here, and who wants to forego fudge for rabbit food? Besides, that's why we have New year's resolutions.
Since the day of reckoning is here for those who vowed then to lose weight now, why not strive to shed those pudge-producing pounds the proper way? In most instances, that means a change in eating habits and the start of an exercise program.
Although a calorie-conscious dieter may be anxious to see quick results, starving is not the answer to reaching an ideal weight. It's counter productive to starve yourself, because you are not getting proper nutrition. And when you starve yourself your body changes its metabolism to protect you from starving.
Also, there is no escaping the fact that behind every successful diet is an equally successful exercise program.
Besides having other health benefits, exercise will increase a person's metabolism - and much longer than just for the time you are exercising. If you lose weight without exercise you will be saggy. Exercise helps to tone and tighten your muscles and tissues. It's also beneficial to visit a physician from time to time during the course of a diet.
If changing eating and exercise habits seem insurmountable while a diet is in progress realize that these same strategies must be followed to maintain desired weight.
If you are on a good nutritional diet and you hit your desired weight, you must then modify your diet so you don't lose any more weight, but you don't gain any either. Reaching nutritional nirvana can only be achieved by careful meal planning. Here are some valuable tips:
- Include fresh vegetables and fruit daily. If canned fruit is substituted, choose those packed in juice or water rather than syrup.
- Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta for adequate B vitamins and fiber.
- Substitute skim milk or non-fat dry milk for whole milk or use low-fat cheeses, light cream cheese and cottage cheese to meet nutritionary needs from the dairy products group. Ice milk and plain yoghurt with fresh fruit are also good choices.
- Select lean meats, poultry and fish, trimmed of visible fat. Opt for broiling, baking or pan-broiling without added fat.
- Plan low-calorie nourishing snacks like crisp salads with low-calorie dressing, fresh fruit or raw vegetables.
Eating as a ritual is very important when it comes to fostering good weight control habits.
