We all know eating less and exercising more is the key to loosing weight, however this is easier said than done. Equally dieting shouldn't just be anguish, torment and pain otherwise you will not succeed. Here are 10 top tips to change your attitude towards food and help you loose those pounds.
Information is Key
Be informed about the most up-to-date research. Go through articles in magazines to increase your knowledge about healthy eating. You will be more assured of achieving your weight loss goal if you are equipped with the latest information.
Be motivated
At the start of your weight loss program, you have to write down why you want to lose weight. Commitment will be easier for you if you have clear goals. It should not just be about looking good. Your starting point may be to lose weight so as to improve your health. This list will motivate you if you look at it frequently.
Watch what you eat.
Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink, having an understanding of your feeding habits will help identify your trouble areas. Knowing what you eat and drink will enable you to make those all important changes. This will keep you in control and help you plan ahead
Set achievable targets that are realistic.
It has been shown from certain studies that it is proper to begin by losing at least 10% of your body weight. You can break this into more controllable chunks, reaching for 2-3kg in one stretch. Maintaining your weight is a success in itself. On the other hand, when you lose a little weight over a period of time, your health improves. When you are ready to begin your diet program, take it one step at a time. Practical goals that are achievable will lead to success and make you more confident.
Eat little and often.
You will lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. This may not be easy if you are continuously hungry. Research has revealed that individuals who eat 4 to 5 small meals daily find it easier to manage their weight. Divide the food that you eat daily into smaller sizes and try not to eat after the evening meal.
Every meal should contain protein.
Diets with higher protein content can reduce overall food intake. This is because protein is more satisfying than both carbohydrate or fat. Protein makes you feel fuller sooner, so making sure you have a lean portion of chicken or fish will help with this goal. Protein also takes longer to digest and enter the blood stream so alleviates that sugar rush associated with diets high in carbohydrate.
Do distractions drive you to eat more?
Most of the time, people tend to eat more when they are distracted. Be sure to set aside a particular time to eat. You will discover that you are more aware of what you consume and you will be taking in fewer calories. Studies also show that individuals who sit in front of the TV while eating consume 40% more calories in their diet.
You can enjoy you favourite foods.
It will not be in your best interests to ban your favorite foods. It is better to have a menu that includes smaller portions of your favorite foods in combination with other healthier alternatives. Just find a way to enjoy what you love without overdoing it.
Exercise a little.
Increasing your physical exercise will increase your metabolic rate. You will feel full of energy sleep much better and have a better outlook on life. Joining a keep fit programme will build muscle mass and sculpt your body. Exercising within a group of people has been shown to keep you motivated.
Finally....have confidence in yourself
Do not think the changes will take place automatically because habits are hard to break. You may even deviate from your diet intermittently. Do not let this discourage you. Be focused and remember the reasons for setting those goals. Think good thoughts and ultimately you will succeed.
Information is Key
Be informed about the most up-to-date research. Go through articles in magazines to increase your knowledge about healthy eating. You will be more assured of achieving your weight loss goal if you are equipped with the latest information.
Be motivated
At the start of your weight loss program, you have to write down why you want to lose weight. Commitment will be easier for you if you have clear goals. It should not just be about looking good. Your starting point may be to lose weight so as to improve your health. This list will motivate you if you look at it frequently.
Watch what you eat.
Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink, having an understanding of your feeding habits will help identify your trouble areas. Knowing what you eat and drink will enable you to make those all important changes. This will keep you in control and help you plan ahead
Set achievable targets that are realistic.
It has been shown from certain studies that it is proper to begin by losing at least 10% of your body weight. You can break this into more controllable chunks, reaching for 2-3kg in one stretch. Maintaining your weight is a success in itself. On the other hand, when you lose a little weight over a period of time, your health improves. When you are ready to begin your diet program, take it one step at a time. Practical goals that are achievable will lead to success and make you more confident.
Eat little and often.
You will lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. This may not be easy if you are continuously hungry. Research has revealed that individuals who eat 4 to 5 small meals daily find it easier to manage their weight. Divide the food that you eat daily into smaller sizes and try not to eat after the evening meal.
Every meal should contain protein.
Diets with higher protein content can reduce overall food intake. This is because protein is more satisfying than both carbohydrate or fat. Protein makes you feel fuller sooner, so making sure you have a lean portion of chicken or fish will help with this goal. Protein also takes longer to digest and enter the blood stream so alleviates that sugar rush associated with diets high in carbohydrate.
Do distractions drive you to eat more?
Most of the time, people tend to eat more when they are distracted. Be sure to set aside a particular time to eat. You will discover that you are more aware of what you consume and you will be taking in fewer calories. Studies also show that individuals who sit in front of the TV while eating consume 40% more calories in their diet.
You can enjoy you favourite foods.
It will not be in your best interests to ban your favorite foods. It is better to have a menu that includes smaller portions of your favorite foods in combination with other healthier alternatives. Just find a way to enjoy what you love without overdoing it.
Exercise a little.
Increasing your physical exercise will increase your metabolic rate. You will feel full of energy sleep much better and have a better outlook on life. Joining a keep fit programme will build muscle mass and sculpt your body. Exercising within a group of people has been shown to keep you motivated.
Finally....have confidence in yourself
Do not think the changes will take place automatically because habits are hard to break. You may even deviate from your diet intermittently. Do not let this discourage you. Be focused and remember the reasons for setting those goals. Think good thoughts and ultimately you will succeed.
About the Author:
For more information about which foods to avoid then visit: http://foodstoavoid.org/. Find out more about loosing weight fast with the Euro Diet Plan at Chemist Direct.
