Weight Loss Tips

Gaining weight is so much easier than losing weight. Once the pounds come on, how do you shed them?

Below are some great weight loss tips

Consult your doctor- If you are overweight; make an appointment to visit your doctor. Talk to him frankly about all the issues you face and the vices you might have that are leading you to be overweight. He has your health history right in front of you and you can talk with him about your health concerns and the risks involved in carrying that extra weight around.

Set your goals realistically. Understand that the weight gain did not happen overnight, and weight-loss won’t either. Steer clear of the “Diet of the Month Club” and the weight-loss pills that claim to “melt fat away.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The only thing most of these programs are going to do is melt money from your wallet.

Stay active- Make a sensible exercise program in order to lose weight. If you live within walking distance of shops, start walking there once a day instead of driving. Going to the mall? Take a few laps around the mall before going in to shop. Park at a farther point from the front door than you normally would.

Tied to a computer all day? Buy a pair of ankle weights and do leg lifts under your desk during the day. Go for a walk at break-time or lunch-time. Arrive earlier to work than normal and meet with others to go for a brisk walk before starting work. You need to do at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise to get your heart-rate up and gain any benefits from your exercise program.

Cut out the fat and the sugar- Start reducing the amount of fat you consume in one day. You would be surprised how much sugar is in that specialty coffee sitting on your desk. Instead of a mega muffin, try the mini muffins, or bran muffins. Avoid desserts. Reward yourself with indulgences that don’t put pounds on. A day at the spa, a new pair of shoes. Something that is not food that still makes you feel good.

Graduate to Whole Grains- Eat wholesome grains and fresh fruits. Explore new vegetables you have never tried. Go vegetarian several times a week.  Eat whole grain cereal as a snack, without adding the milk. Toss in some raisins and dried fruits or nuts and make your own travel pack for on the go.

Eat less- Plan your meals in advance and if you can, cook them ahead of time and freeze them. Place them in small containers or foil pouches. Think one serving size versus two.

Drink water- Put away the alcohol and the sugary sodas and switch to water. Today you can even buy flavored water, if plain water is not to your liking. Or you can flavor your water by yourself and save some money. Add ½ to 1 oz. of any flavored syrup to your 16 oz glass of water. Or just put a twist of lemon in it.

To lose weight slowly add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of pure apple cider vinegar to a tall jar of water. Tightly cap, shake. Keep out of the refrigerator, but pour into a glass at meals and sip slowly.

Dress down- Put your salad dressing on the side. Instead of eating fattening crackers with your soup or salad, try dried rice cakes, or Chinese noodles.

Frying means dying- Try broiling, roasting, steaming, grilling, but put that frying pan up for awhile.

Eat a variety of foods- Instead of saying you are dieting, say you are eating wholesome meals. Small portions only but experiment with different food items you wouldn’t normally eat. Try low-fat yogurt on toast points sprinkled with coconut. Replace sour cream with yogurt.

Steer clear of diet pills- even if they proclaim them to be safe and effective, chances are good that down the line you will find out they aren’t.  Plus, many diet pills react to over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup.

Most people when they want to lose weight will sign up for a weight-loss program or sign on to a gym. Do your research, before you sign on that dotted line. Make sure that what you have chosen to help you lose weight fits your schedule and your pocket book. Make an informed decision and keep to your manageable goals. Remember to reward yourself for a job well done, and no that reward should not be food!

For more weight loss tips on keeping the weight off