It’s a well distinguished truth that the way to lose weight is by consuming less calories and doing more exercise, essentially using up more fuel in the body then you put in. I know it’s easy to say this and many of us will have tried numerous diets over the years with this main principal but then given into temptation before any weight loss results have been achieved.
So what is the best way to make changes to our lifestyle, lose weight and stick to these changes? Continue reading below to hear our great tips that could help you lose weight and keep it off.
Dedication from yourself
With mounting social pressures you may feel demanded to lose weight from friends, work or family. However, if you are embarking on a weight loss programme you must make sure you are doing it for yourself and set personal goals that you can reach. Setting realistic goals and determination from you will ensure fast and enjoyable weight loss and results you will be proud of.
Set rational goals
As mentioned previously, setting reasonable goals is the key to achieving definite weight loss. If you have formerly experienced weight loss failures it is most probably down to unreachable goals that haven’t been met which therefore breeds disappointment and the end of any dieting.
Avoid making any big claims such as ‘I will never eat sweets’ or ‘I will go to the gym every day’. Any human being can’t keep these claims forever and when the day comes that we do eat chocolate we get annoyed and disheartened with ourselves which can cease weight loss efforts. Keep it simple and take it one step at a time. Set yourself goals that are reachable with willpower and exertion from you.
Plan your weight loss
Every January we make a new years resolution to lose weight but never manage it. The best time to start a new eating regime is in spring. Not only is fresh fruit and vegetables readily obtainable but we are commonly happier and more optimistic at this time of the year which can have a positive effect on weight loss. The weather is much better which is fantastic for getting active and hotter weather dampens our appetites. Also, social events such as weddings and birthdays can be disadvantageous to weight loss because of the excessive amounts of food and alcohol available. Start a new diet when you will not have such temptations.
Find a way that suits you
With the help of a dietician, you can create a tailor made diet that can help you lose weight fast. Creating a personal diet that incorporates eating times that fit around your life and undertaking exercises you enjoy and can accomplish will have outstanding effects on your weight loss results.
Keep the foods you enjoy
It is impossible to deny yourself you favourite foods forever but the good news it that you don’t have to! Often where we go wrong is how we cook and prepare our meals. Avoid eating fried and roasted meals and opt for grilled, boiled and steamed. If you are worried that this sounds rather bland, then open your palette to a world of herbs and spices that add flavour with no added calories or fat. Opt for low fat versions of your favourite dairy products and try to eat wholemeal bread and pasta. Another tip on this topic is portion control. Enjoy the foods you like but ensure you have a suitable fraction.
Never skip meals
A widespread misconception of weight loss is to skip meals to avoid calories. This should actually be avoided at all costs. Skipping meals makes the body miss out on essential nutrients that can drop blood sugar levels and can induce fainting. Missing meals can also put the body into ‘starvation mode’. This is where the body believes it is being starved and consequently stores extra fat which is unfavourable for weight loss.
A lot of dieters also skip breakfast in the hope to save a few calories; this again is relatively detrimental for weight loss as the first meal of the day kick starts the metabolism which then keeps active and burns calories for the rest of the day.
Rather then skipping meals, try eating smaller healthy portions recurrently throughout the day to keep blood sugars regulated and the metabolism working.
Step away from the scales
Getting obsessive over weighing yourself can make you disheartened when losing weight and should be avoided at all cost. Yes, its good to have a starting weight and monitor it weekly or fortnightly but everyday weigh-ins will be an inaccurate reflection of your weight loss. Our weights can fluctuant during certain times of the month, for example during the menstrual cycle and even throughout the day depending on the amounts of fluid in our bodies.
Instead of being a slave to the scales monitor your weight loss on how great you feel and the fit of your clothes.
You can have treats!
Avoid having treats in the house as then you will never be able to resist them! But if you do fancy a treat then do not refuse yourself, as denying yourself will ultimately result in a immense binge. Instead have the treat but only in a small quantity. Also, never going out to dinner with loved ones can be tough on your social life so it is okay to enjoy a meal out once in a while. When choosing from the menu, pick grilled options with lots of vegetables and avoid any extra calorific sauces.
You are only human
However rigorously you follow your diet and exercise regime it is inevitable that you will slip up and have a ‘bad day’ When this happens many dieters get so disappointed with themselves they revert back to their old ways and give up on any weight loss goals they had entirely. Remember, we are only human and will slip up some days. Don’t get dispirited as tomorrow is another day and any slip-ups can be recovered from.
What to eat at work
If you have your meals prepared for you at work then remember a few points when picking your lunch.
- Choose the healthiest option available
- Go for a jacket potato instead of chips
- Plump for the meal most like the meals in your diet pan
- Avoid any extra sauce or mayonnaise
- If you like toast then have it without butter
- Replace dessert for yogurt or a piece of fruit
Other handy weight loss tips
Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with healthy foods only so when you feel like reaching for that treat it will not be as accessible. If you fancy something creamy, plump for a low fat yogurt. Or if you feel you require something sweet then have some dried fruit.
Frequently the body can confuse hunger for dehydration, so if you are feeling hungry drink a glass of water instead and then see how you feel. If you tire of water then try soda or slimming green tea and try to avoid putting sugar in your tea and coffee.
If you enjoy grazing in front of the television then choose diced vegetables to munch on or even do some moderate exercise in front of the television instead.
All of the above tips are guidelines which if incorporated into a healthy lifestyle can help you lose weight. Weight loss is a personal thing and the best way to go about it is to find out what works best for you. Give it your best shot and good luck!
