Many people struggle with body image and weight issues at some point in their life. Due to the high number of advertising avenues, fad diets and miracle pills, it is no wonder that most people don't know when or how to approach weight loss. With all of this confusion I think it is time to bring it "back to the basics". The following tips are simple guidelines that you can follow to achieve weight loss and lead a healthier life.
To start any weight loss program you will need to clearly establish and define "realistic" goals. Write down why you want to lose weight, benefits that can result from weight loss and specific changes you are making to your diet. By doing this, you are able to see if the changes you made are contributing towards your weight loss goals. Keep in mind that •1/2 to 2 pounds of weight loss each week is reasonable.
Before you can reach any goal you have to start somewhere. Start by weighing yourself and creating a food journal for one week. It is important to chart your progress during your weight loss journey. In this food journal keep track of everything you eat and drink as well as how you are feeling at that very moment. This part is crucial because it will reveal eating patterns that may have become habit.
Review your food journal after recording food intake for one week. Look for any patterns in your eating habits and make a commitment to change! For example, you may want to skip the high calorie snacks like brownies or chips and snack on fruits or vegetables instead. If soda is a large contributor to daily caloric intake you may want to switch to diet soda or drink water instead. You should try to drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day; you will find that water is a natural hunger suppressant. The key here is to be consistent and you will see results. Keep in mind that life continually throws obstacles in your way so don't become discouraged if you loose 2 pounds the first week and only 1 pound the second.
Increasing the calories you burn will also aid in weight loss. Start out by taking a walk around the neighborhood and then gradually add intensity. Keep exercise exciting by trying new activities and/or equipment. For example, try swimming as an aerobic exercise instead of walking. Again, you will want to track your exercise activities each day in your weight loss journal.
Setting goals, reducing caloric intake and exercising are the main elements in weight loss. It is also important to eat regularly and not skip meals. When times get tough and you need a little encouragement don't be afraid to ask for support from family and friends. If you need more help or guidance see a dietician or join a weight loss support group. With these tips and a commitment to change you are well on your way to reaching your goals!
You need to remind yourself that your excess weight negatively impacts your overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. If you can stick to a plan, there are many positive changes once you reach your weight loss goals. The following plan, if followed, will surely trim off the blubber and reward you with a head-turner body.
The first thing you should do is ask your doctor about the plan in this article before you launch into it. We have no way of knowing if you have particular physical limitations or conditions that may make this plan risky for you. Be smart and get your doctor's advice before you proceed with this or any other weight loss plan. You are always responsible for your own actions!
Show your doctor this plan and ask him or her to recommend the best weight loss regimen if this plan is not suited to you. Ask for a full physical examination to determine the proper weight loss technique for you.
Now, to lose weight fast and effectively, four major aspects of your lifestyle should be changed:
1. what you eat
2. how you eat
3. behavior
4. physical activity
Change these four things and you are on your way to losing the weight and keeping it off.
Fast weight loss involves a multi-faceted technique that consists of mind set, exercise, and in some cases, the use of diet supplements. Do some research to find foods that are healthy and that you will enjoy eating. In other words, do not become a vegetarian if you like meat on your plate. Be smart and choose meat that is low in fat like chicken, fish, or 95% lean beef.
Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, or even dancing. Yes, fast dancing can cut the pounds. Think about joining a square dancing class.
Set a realistic mind set. The ability to focus and have a proper mind set enables you to quickly lose those extra pounds and keep them off. With discipline and proper mind set, you will never be discouraged and lose focus.
Listen as your body speaks to you. Your body metabolism will react in your own special way to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate for the body's reaction. Your exercise program must be comfortable but challenging to one's body. You may not be able to exercise as rigorously as others can so you need to find an exercise level that challenges you and gives you that good feeling when you finish each session.
If walking is all that can be done, then walk briskly as you can. Walking has been proven to be the best exercise for just about anyone. Muscles, when used energetically, burn calories. Don't be afraid to build muscle because you will have a tighter looking body as a result and you will be looking good.
Eat more fibers. Fiber makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread or oatmeal moves fat through the digestive system faster. The faster fat can move through your system, the less fat that accumulates or is stored by the body. You want to prevent the body from storing too much fat. By incorporating exercise, fiber, and low fat foods, you cut off the supply of fat that is available to collect in those areas of the body that you want to slim down, like love handles and buttocks.
Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains the greatest amount of fat. Don't think that eating chicken, fish, or lean beef will avoid the fat problem. Fish, chicken, and beef will load your body with fat if deep fried. It's not the meat type that is the problem or solution, it is how it is cooked. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled or baked meat to eliminate much of the fat as opposed to deep frying. Even using this low fat method of cooking, you should also opt for smaller portions of meat than you have been eating. Gradually, begin eating more veggies and less meat and potatoes at main meals.
Drink lots of water but don't drown yourself. If you are exercising daily, drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Drink less if you are not exercising. At least four glasses are day is good because weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes. Water is a great fat eliminator and your body must stay hydrated. By the way, a diet drink is not water. It contains water but also contains chemicals. Drink only water for now.
As for diet pills, be very careful. Again, get your doctor's advice. He may prescribe a water pill, for example, to get rid of excess water weight. The fat will be eliminated with diet and exercise not by using pills.
Discipline and consistency are still the keys to weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss and keeping it off. Having the right mind set will keep you from backsliding into your old habits and putting the pounds back on.
How do you want to look four weeks from now, the way you look now?
Both Michael Russell & Jim Desantis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Michael Russell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Celebrities, Dieting and Diabetes Treatment. Michael RussellYour Independent guide to . Michael Russell's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.
Jim Desantis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Get Ex Back and Affiliate Programs. Jim DeSantis runs the where you will find hundreds of free videos all about weight loss and dieting plans.. Jim Desantis's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.