We live in a society of quick and easy fixes to our problems. When quick and easy fixes are applied to weight loss, however, it often results in adverse consequences to our overall health and furthermore, rarely produces lasting weight. So how does one lose weight in a healthy way? This article attempts to give you the answer to that question.
Kick start your weight loss plan by eating more spicy foods. Spicy foods have been shown to increase your metabolism, so that your cells burn more calories while you are eating, and after you eat. Also, extremely spicy foods might help you to eat less, if you can’t stand any more of the spice.
Never go to a party hungry, even if dinner is included. If you eat a light snack with lots of fiber and a little protein and fat half an hour before, you will not be so hungry and the food won’t be quite so tempting. Feel free to try a little bit of everything, but only a little at a time so you can enjoy it without regret.
Having trouble losing those last few pounds? Try increasing the amount of effort you put into your workouts or energy you put into your daily activity. Your body may have become accustomed to your daily routine and is using less calories (energy) to complete those tasks. By increasing the intensity, you’re increasing the amount of energy your body is using in each activity.
Watching TV doesn’t need to sabotage your attempts of weight loss. There are plenty of exercising activities or routines that you can do while watching television. Try placing a small step stool in front of the television and take steps on it while watching in order to get a leg work out while enjoying your favorite show.
To help you lose weight, add walking into your day. Do you have children you pick up from school? Simply park a few blocks away instead of picking them up at the front door of the school. Do you commute to work by car? Park as far away as possible from your work and walk the rest of the way. Do you catch the bus to work? Pick a bus stop that is a block or two farther away from your home. Invest a little time and a few dollars for good walking shoes and walk those pounds away by adding additional walking time into your day.
Since you spend most of your day at work, use any extra time that you have to add a little exercise to your day. Choosing to use the stairs and visiting with a co-worker instead of calling them can both help you lose weight; every little bit of physical activity adds up and helps you reach your goals.
A great way to help you lose weight is to stop eating regular cottage cheese and start eating non-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. Regular cottage cheese has a pretty high fat content. Low-fat cottage cheese is much healthier and actually promotes lean body mass when eaten at night.
Try to stay positive about losing weight. This can be the most important factor in whether you lose weight or not. Believe that what you are doing is working, and start seeing yourself as slender and in shape. If you hold that vision in your mind, it’s only a matter of time before you see it.
Try not to do your grocery shopping when you are hungry. You might have heard this one before, and it is absolutely true. Always go to the grocery store on a full stomach. Hunger can drive you to stray from your grocery list and buy things you do not need. Unhealthy foods will then be significantly harder for you to resist.
Order a clear soup instead of a salad for your appetizer. It is a common misconception that salad is always the healthier choice. Sure, salads you prepare for yourself might be very healthy. Salads served in restaurants are often surprisingly unhealthy for you – especially if you slather them with dressing. To cut down on calories, order a clear soup instead.
Try to eat more slowly at meals to lend a hand to your weight-loss efforts. If you eat with others, introduce conversations at mealtime to season your meal, and you will find you are likely eating less, because you’re not stuffing food in your mouth every moment of the meal.
To keep from being discouraged, set reasonable weight loss goals. Often, people want to see big results fast, and give up when they don’t. Aim to lose about one to two pounds a week. It’s a goal most should be able to hit easily. It may seem like slow going, but those pounds add up fast and losing weight the right way will help you keep the pounds off.
Instead of trying to chose a number for a weight loss goal, try using a different type of measurement. Have a pair of pants that you love but don’t fit? Make your goal to fit into those pants. This will take your attention away from the scale, which is not always an accurate measurement of weight loss.
Your goal is to not only lose weight, but to keep that weight off. It has been consistently shown that quick ways to lose weight, rarely result in lasting weight loss. The weight is often regained in record time. Apply the suggestions listed in this article, and we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with the results!
