Have you struggled to lose weight in the past? Do you feel like you’ll never be able to get down to to the size you want? Stop worrying about what you can’t do and start reading! This article is full of tips that will help you reach your weight loss goals at last.
One strategy that can help you lose a few extra pounds is taking the time to step on the scale each day and writing down your current weight. Seeing the numbers rise and fall keeps you focused on your goal and can also help you realize what dietary or exercise modifications are helpful.
If you are working at weight loss, get into the habit of blotting the fat off the top of your foods. You can save countless calories by soaking up the fat that is standing on a slice of pizza. If you decide to indulge in a burger, give it a little squeeze and soak up the fat that dribbles out.
Continue eating foods you love, even sugar-filled, fattening foods, in moderation when trying to lose weight. When you completely deny yourself your favorite foods, you are more likely to end up binging. This leads to more calories eaten than if you just occasionally indulged in your favorite fattening foods.
When on a weight loss plan, plate your food in the kitchen before sitting down to eat instead of serving food “family style” at the table. You are more likely to plate smaller portions and wait before adding food to your plate. By waiting you allow time to feel full.
A great tip that can help you lose weight is to be aware of all of the myths out there regarding diet and weight loss. Starving yourself, for example, is one of the worst things you can do to your body. The weight loss is only temporary and you can become seriously sick.
A great nutritional tip is to say goodbye to donuts. Donuts are notorious for being very high in fat, and they will sabotage any attempt at trying to lose weight or get fit. Instead, try spreading some natural peanut butter onto a few slices of whole wheat bread.
Work on your tummy while sitting down at work. You can strengthen your muscles by flattening your abdomen and sitting upright. To do this exercise, suck in your belly button and hold to increase tension.
If you can, try to avoid purchasing those gimmicky cookbooks out there and stick with looking up free recipes or even creating your own. Being on a diet is hard enough as it is. The last thing you want to become is a victim to some Johnny-come-lately marketer, whose goal is to make money preying on dieters.
To encourage yourself to stay focused on your weight loss goals, give yourself non-food rewards. After reaching a goal, you could treat yourself to a spa trip or a new piece of jewelry. People often use their success as a reason to break their diet. Giving yourself a reward that isn’t food can keep you feeling positive and help you to resist future temptations.
If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid the traditional idea of having three meals per day. Instead, have a light breakfast, a healthy snack in between, then a light lunch, another snack, then a light dinner. Having five small meals every day will keep your you from mindlessly snacking as a result of your decreased overall calorie intake.
When you are at the gym, go over to the free weight section and hold a 5 pound weight for a couple minutes. Notice how heavy that weight will become and visualize that much coming off of your body. You will be amazed at how much 5 extra pounds can feel.
Add in protein as an important part of your weight loss plan. Lean meats and legumes are wonderful sources. Protein helps you to grow and repair muscle. It is also quickly burned by your body. Your goal should be about one gram of protein for every pound you weigh.
Substitute applesauce for the oil when you are baking a cake. Sometimes we all have to satisfy our sweet tooth. Applesauce is a much healthier addition to cake recipes. It gives the cake wonderful flavor and moistness that can’t be beat. Why make an unhealthy choice when it’s so easy to make a healthier one?
To boost your overall health, try adding more fiber to your diet. Fiber provides a number of health benefits including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Not only that, but it can also promote weight loss. Some of the best sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.
When eating meat, you are supposed to have a portion that is the size of an average deck of playing cards. If that does not seem like it will be enough you can try pounding it out. While it is the same amount of meat, the fact that it is visually larger will make a difference.
A sneaky way to help you lose weight is to wear ankle weights while you do your daily duties. It increases the effort it takes for you to move around, which will help your body burn calories. You can also wear wrist weights, but they’ll be more obvious and can get in the way.
If you find that you have hit a plateau, consider whether or not your diet is as clean and strict as it can be. If you feel like reducing any more of what you eat will drive you to quit your diet entirely, DON’T CHANGE IT! Instead try to get in more exercise, and push yourself harder.
You may have struggled to reach your weight loss goals in this past, but with the tips on this list, they’ll be easy to achieve. Set a plan, and then don’t give up! Whether you want a sexy beach body or just want to get back to your old weight, incorporating some of these tips in your life will help you to slim down while staying healthy in the process.
