Guaranteed Weight Loss Strategy
There are two important steps to losing weight and being able to keep
the weight from returning later. Here they are:
Step 1 - Eat Less
Food, including water, is the energy your body needs to exist. Your
body needs only so much in order to operate. In order to lose weight,
the energy (food) taken in must be less than the energy burned.
Here are some ideas for applying Step 1.
- Don't eat after 7 p.m. at night. If you stick to this, you cut out
late night snacks, which are a killer for adding weight.
- Eat smaller portions. If you cut your portions, you cut down on the
amount of energy coming in. Portion control is a very big thing in this
day and age of mega meals and super sized food. This alone will be one
of the biggest ways to eat less.
- Eat a sensible breakfast. You need to get your body functioning again
after not eating since 7 p.m. last night. You are breaking your fast.
Remember portion control. Everything in moderation.
- No snacks between meals. This will also make sure you are eating less.
Step 2 - Exercise More
Don't worry, you won't need to run 12 miles a day or anything like
that. You just want to use more energy than in the past. In order to do
this, you will need to increase your activity. Don't think of it as
exercise, think of it as activity. You will be surprised at how easy it
is to increase your activity level!
Here are some ideas for applying Step 2.
- While you are watching TV, don't just sit there. Move your arms
around, get up and walk around the room, do jumping jacks, stand up and
sit down. All you want to do is make sure you are NOT just sitting
there watching TV. ANY activity is better than none.
- Take your dog for a walk every day. It will greatly benefit your dog,
also. If you do not have a dog, take a walk anyway. It doesn't have to
be very far. Just take a walk however far you want. Just do more than
you have been and you will feel better and start burning more energy
than previously.
- Take the stairs whenever possible. No more elevators.
- If you can, start weight training. Muscle burns energy efficiently.
If you build muscle, it replaces fat and makes you a fat burning
machine!
Try to think of other creative ways to cut calories and increase energy
expendature. I'm sure you can come up with many more ideas. This will
be a great start for you. Keep in mind it is always easier to start,
and stick with these steps if you have someone to share in your
activity.
A final thought - The best time to plant a tree was 5 years ago. The
second best time is right now!
This can be applied to losing weight. The best time to start may have
been in the past, but the second best time is right now. Don't get
discouraged. This is a lifetime commitment and a life changing goal. Be
easy on yourself, but be committed and you will see progress!
Note: Visit with your doctor before starting any exercise or diet
regime.