Everyone describes losing weight as this horribly difficult and stressful ordeal. Actually, it's not as hard as it sounds. If you make the right health choices and believe that you can achieve successful healthy weight loss, then weight loss will come naturally because your body is meant to be healthy and because you have a newfound belief in your own abilities.
The goal of a weight loss program is not to limit what you can eat but instead to teach you what foods are the best to eat and which are less than healthy. There are lots of programs that do this but you should make sure that the one you ultimately choose is focused on a balanced diet. (A balanced diet does not include unhealthy items such as junk food or fast food. Sorry to those who are avid fans.) A balanced diet should be based in fresh foods - vegetables, fruits and high-quality meats.
If the weight loss program that you're considering is a particularly "low-" anything diet, you might want to reconsider. Sure, "low-" whatever diets are great for a short period of time but those are called crash diets; those will not give you long-term results that last. Some food groups that these weight loss programs advise you to go "low" on are worth limiting in your diet but not to the degree that they say. Your body is based on balance so make sure to include all food groups in your nutritional regimen.
The other flip of the coin is that some weight loss programs tell you to try the oddest, most difficult to find foods. Usually those are also the most expensive! How long, really, can you be expected to maintain that diet? Not long, to be sure. When ingredients for your weight loss meals start to get expensive, you will lose interest and unfortunately, there goes that weight loss program. Instead, a worthy weight loss program will focus on common fresh foods or at least will give you alternate possibilities for those rare foods.
As for those fattening junk foods and fast food items, the best situation for those is to eliminate them entirely from your diet. Now, for those who are "addicted" to those foods, that may be difficult. Then, to start off your new weight loss program, you should start to eat less and less of these foods. Smaller portions until you don't feel the urge anymore. It's easy to see that "cold turkey" isn't for everyone. But make sure that eventually you eliminate those unhealthy foods from your weight loss regimen.
Speaking of smaller portions, this would be a good way to go with all your meals. By eating smaller portions more often (anywhere from 4-6 times a day instead of 3 large meals a day), you will almost "train" your body to increase the effectiveness of your metabolism. This will absolutely help you lose weight even better if you add in exercise too. Also, by eating these smaller portions more often, you are keeping yourself more satisfied, which will also stop you from binging because you're starved and craving those unhealthy foods.
There you have it; by first believing in yourself and then making smart choices about your health and foods, weight loss will absolutely come more easily to you. These smart choices are easy to adjust to when you realize the numerous benefits that come with them. So make sure to choose wisely in your weight loss program and you will soon see a healthier, slimmer you!
Protein is essential to the structure and function of all living cells and tissues. It is necessary for growth and repair, muscle function, immune protection and the transmission of nerve impulses. Protein also provides structural support for our skin and bones. Examples of high-quality protein include fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon or tuna, lean cuts of skinless chicken and vegetable protein such as soy, beans, legumes and nuts. Another good source of protein is Secure .
Concentrate on "good" carbohydrates.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are known as "good" carbs because they contain a wealth of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have a beneficial impact on the body. Good carbs are also high in fiber, which aids elimination, promotes proper digestion, balances blood sugar levels and reduces Total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Bad carbohydrate choices, on the other hand, are low in fiber and nutrients. Bad carbohydrates tend to break down quickly and release a large amount of glucose into the bloodstream. The body often overreacts and puts more insulin into the bloodstream than is necessary in order to counteract this glucose "rush". As a result, the excess glucose is stored as fat. Very often more glucose is removed than was present before the bad carbohydrates were eaten. The resultant drop in blood-sugar level makes us feel tired, weak and sluggish. Worse, because our blood-sugar level is low, we have a strong desire to eat again, usually another bad carbohydrate snack to give us an energy boost, which starts the whole cycle all over again. Sugar, refined flour and highly processed foods fall into this category and should be avoided.
Focus on the good fats.
Many of us assume that all fat is linked to weight gain. Yet fat - the right type of fat - is an essential component of a healthy diet. Fat is an optimal source of the calories that provide our body with energy. Essential fatty acids, especially the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty, cold-water fish and flaxseeds, are particularly good for us. These essential fatty acids provide vital building blocks for all cell membranes and are necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, they help increase fat burning and raise basal metabolism (the rate at which the body burns calories while at rest). Fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines or tuna, flaxseeds, nuts and seeds, avocados and soy are all good sources of healthy and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Avoid saturated fats and trans fatty acids (trans fats) that can contribute to weight gain and can increase the risk of heart disease.
Eat foods you enjoy.
There is no law that says you have to suffer through unappetizing meals in order to lose weight. There are plenty of healthy foods that taste great. In fact, many of your favorite foods may be healthy, as long as you pay attention to portion size and how the meal is prepared. Take a look at the sample menus provided in this booklet. You'll find an array of great-tasting, healthy foods that can provide you with the variety you need to stick to your weight-loss program.
Drink Plenty of Water
Most of our lean body mass consists of water. It's important to remain fully hydrated when attempting to burn off fat, especially when you're participating in an exercise program. Ten 8-oz. servings of water is the recommended minimum. If that sounds like a lot, remember, juices and soups are mainly water. Even vegetable meals and salads contain an appreciable amount of water. And, of course, you may be drinking up to 16 oz. of water with your Secure® Complete Meal Replacement. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, however, can act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water through the urine. Add a glass or two of water for every one of these diuretic drinks you have during the day.
Sensible Between-Meal Snacks.
Total denial is probably going to result in a serious diet meltdown. It's better to indulge yourself with a few sensible calories rather than hold out until you simply have to binge on a huge bowl of ice cream or a whole box of cookies or...well, you get the picture. Instead, when those awful cravings start, have a piece of fruit or a cup of low-fat yogurt or try one of our delicious and satisfying Secure® smoothie recipes. A minor addition to your daily calorie intake can keep you on the path to health and fitness.
Supplement with a High-Potency . To ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met, take a high-potency multi-vitamin-mineral, such as one of ProCaps Laboratories' Life Rxâ„¢ formulas. These products are specifically designed to provide high levels of the nutrients and anti-oxidants you need for optimum health.
Andrew Lessman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Supplements. Andrew Lessman founded what was to become ProCaps Laboratories in 1979 - back in what some consider "the early days" of vitamin supplements. More than a quarter of a century later, it remains one of the few companies that actually manufactures the v. Andrew Lessman's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.