While losing weight is one of the most rewarding goals you can reach for, a goal that will not only lead to a healthier you, but also make you feel good about yourself, it doesn’t come about by itself. And it isn’t done by just dieting alone, at least not in the long-term. In contrast, it often requires a change in the way you eat, what you eat, and how you burn the calories. Of course, you don’t have to make a whole bunch of major changes all at once. Outlined in this article are a few modifications to your lifestyle you can make with relative ease.
Join a weight loss program, such as Weight Watchers. Groups such as these require you to weigh in regularly, and many people find this motivating. They work harder to exercise and regulate caloric intake so that when they are weighed, everyone will see that they have lost weight. Many people find this method to be successful.
If you want to lose weight, come up with a goal and tell everyone. Tell your friends, your family, your coworker, post it on online social networking and microblogging services, etc. The more people you tell, the more motivated you’ll be. People naturally hate looking like fools, and if you don’t lose the weight like you say you’re going to, you’ll look like a fool. This will help keep you motivated even when things get tough.
To become thinner, you should consider exercising. If you start eating healthier foods, you are going to lose weight but exercising allows you to get thinner much faster. Try exercising for half an hour every day and perhaps for a couple of hours every weekend. You could go for a walk or a jog, if you do not like weight lifting.
If setting a goal for yourself doesn’t seem to be working, why not try joining a program like Weight Watchers? Not only do they have organized plans to keep you on track to losing weight, but you get the support of the other members to give you encouragement to keep going.
Ask for help when you need it. If you’ve been trying to lose weight and have reached a plateau, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it. You can get in touch with a trainer, or even just a friend who has lost weight in the past. Talking about how you’re feeling and asking for help will help you keep going on your weight loss journey.
If you are on a diet, keep a journal of what you eat on the weekends. Statistics show you are more likely to fall off the wagon on the weekends. By keeping a physical record of what you are consuming on Saturday and Sunday, you are reminded of the goal you are trying to accomplish.
A great way to help you lose weight is to not eat snack foods right out of their container. When you eat snacks right out of their container like a box of cookies, you’ll be more likely to eat too many. Instead, put a serving or two on a plate.
Everyone loses weight differently. Don’t compare your weight loss to other people. We all lose weight at a different rate, as it is down to a person’s metabolism. The key is to find what works for you. Find a diet and stick to it. Ignore everyone around you, and concentrate on yourself. Bear in mind that when you read about ‘average’ weight loss, that’s exactly what it is – weight loss for the average person. Who wants to be average?!! Embrace your body and be happy with how you are losing the weight.
To get a more realistic picture of the progress you’ve made with your weight loss, measure yourself every few days. Because exercise builds muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat, the scale isn’t a good indicator of how well you’re doing. Taking measurements of your arms, thighs, waist, and hips will let you see what you’ve lost in inches and leave you feeling encouraged.
One of the best alternatives that you can have to snack on in the afternoon is pita chips. These chips are much healthier than potato chips, with a lower fat content and very little oil. Choose pita chips as an alternative to maintain your health and stay slim and fit.
Track your calorie consumption. Doing this makes it clear how much food you really do eat. This will provide you with the information to know if you can eat more or if you have reached your calorie intake for the day. Try using Excel or a notebook to keep track.
If you are truly serious about losing weight, don’t trust just anyone for advice. Family doctors, dieticians, and certified nutritionists are your safest bet, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. While the internet is great for finding fitness routines, low-fat recipes, and nutritional value, the most important thing to look for is compatibility with your current level of health.
If you are eating out and you feel like you want to have a dessert, you should stick to those that contain raw fresh fruit. Having a fruit salad or a tart is much more healthy than having something chocolate, or something that is filled with some type of cream.
Don’t worry about your Body Mass Index when you’re losing weight. Better measures of how well you’re doing are your health, how you’re feeling and the loss of inches, rather than pounds. Even weighing yourself can be deceptive, since an increase of muscle will also increase your weight, which can lead you to believe that you’re not losing fat.
So it’s really a matter of baby steps. Anything extra that you do to promote weight loss is a step in the right direction. Keep adding steps and soon it will become a way of life. And before you know it, you’ll reach your goal of a healthier, happier, and more self-confident you.
