Weight Loss Tips

The most important thing to remember as you begin any weight loss plan is that there is no quick fix or magic pill that will help you lose your extra pounds and keep them off. The most successful weight loss plans combine healthy eating, balanced nutrition and regular exercise to help you lose weight. Often, people find themselves in a perpetual diet cycle, always thinking they have a few pounds to lose, or yo-yo dieting – losing weight and then gaining it right back, only to start dieting again. By putting more emphasis on improving your health, experts agree that you can raise your overall self–esteem, resulting in healthier eating habits, long-term weight loss and improved health. Successful weight loss over the long term will likely include: adhering to a healthy lifestyle (including nutritious foods and physical activity), making changes in the way you think about food, and paying attention to reasons why you eat (emotions, boredom, or reward vs. actually being hungry). To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than your body uses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to eat less food. There are many ways you can continue to enjoy foods you like while working towards your weight loss goals, creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients. The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. Choose sensible portion sizes. Using your measuring cups at home will help you learn how large a recommended serving size really is.When dining out, try splitting an entrée with a friend or family member or saving half of your food for later. Choose low-fat dairy and meat products. In addition to helping you lose weight, low-fat dairy products can help to prevent and lower high blood pressure. Engage in daily physical activity. Engaging in some kind of physical activity – whether it be gardening, dancing, walking, or playing golf or tennis – will enliven your physical and mental health and help to keep the extra pounds off. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time and tune into the feelings you experience while eating. By planning your meals ahead of time, you will be less likely to binge on less healthy foods and more inclined to eat in moderation and when you are truly hungry (not when you are feeling unpleasant feelings such as boredom, stress, or loneliness).