Avoid Crash Diets at all costs

Most people think that cutting back the amount of calories they eat is enough to induce significant weight loss. Not so. A low-calorie diet is compensated for by the body by burning muscle instead of fat. People on this type of diet who revert back to their old eating habits end up gaining back more than they had lost. Or they may end up weighing the same, but with less muscle and more fat. And several different vitamin deficiencies. And a subdued immune system, making them more susceptible to colds and other infections. And lower self-esteem.

Avoid this no-win situation by eating small, healthy, well-balanced meals home-made of fresh, organic food at more frequent intervals. This way the body will not go into starvation mode, storing all food as fat.

Eat a wide selection of different foods

Consider not only when you are eating, but also what you are eating and how you are preparing it. Variety is essential so that one may be able to get the necessary nutrients from one's diet. You are also less likely to get cravings if you do not feel deprived. It is healthier to eat food which is roasted, steamed or broiled rather than fried. Also include lots of fibre in the diet... And drink enough water! Tea, coffee, fruit juice (high sugar content) and soft drinks do not count.

Build Muscle Mass

You do not have to turn yourself into a bodybuilder. Just remember: Muscles burn calories when they work; even at rest. Unlike inert fat, muscles burn calories all-day round. Initiate, speed up or break through a plateau by increasing muscle mass. The more muscles, the less fat. Start slow and easy, build muscles gradually.

Speed up your Heart Rate

Aerobics are good for the heart because it increases cardio-vascular strength and endurance. Aerobics also help in increasing lean muscle mass while simultaneously decreasing excess body fat. Always discuss diet plans with your doctor, especially if you have any chronic disease and take short/long-term medication.

Self-hypnosis

Losing weight does not have to mean sacrifice and suffering. With self-hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming you can retrain your mind to make healthier food choices, enjoy exercise, increase your self-respect and look after yourself more diligently. Hypnosis and NLP are the foundations of the weight loss program I designed to help my patients lose weight permanently.

Self-hypnosis is a long-term solution; the key to permanent, effortless weight loss and lasting motivation. You can find out more about it by subscribing to the Gorgeous Gourmet Newsletter, because it comes with a free 62 page e-book "Everything you ever wanted to know about Hypnosis". And that's not all...

Subscribing also gives you free access to five Christmas e-books, including the all-time classic A Christmas Carol...it's the season for giving, after all.

Besides fat, what have you got to lose anyway?