Losing weight doesn't have to be difficult.
Ok, so you’ve made the decision to lose weight and get healthy. But you remember similar decisions made in the past with less than stellar results. The first couple of weeks the momentum is there and you’re motivated to stay on track, but by the second month you’re sick and tired (and still hungry) of all the drama and stress of dieting. So this time we’re going to ditch the weight loss drama, create a new you, and keep the momentum going. Let’s change up the “same old, same old” routine and give you some tips to lose the excess weight and ring in the New You with success via a new Skinny Ms. Body!
Set a realistic and attainable goal.
Instead of resolving to lose fifty pounds, start with ten. After reaching the ten pound weight loss, set a goal of losing another ten pounds. Start with smaller steps and then reward yourself with a manicure or bouquet of flowers after attaining each goal. This will keep you motivated and more likely to stick with reaching your health goals. Do the same after losing the next ten pounds. Keep going until you’ve reach your desired goal and then you’re ready for a whole new wardrobe (or bikini!).
Realize that over eating is an emotional issue.
When you become aware of what you are eating and why you are eating it, then you can control the habit of over eating. Yes, over eating is a habit and many people eat unconsciously. That is, sometimes we are unaware of that cookie we just ate because we always eat cookies right after lunch. Becoming aware of everything you put in your mouth, or better, writing down everything you eat in a journal for one week, will allow you to track your eating patterns. This will enable you to make the necessary changes to break the emotional eating cycle. Replace the unhealthy food choices will healthier options like: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy or lean protein.
Eat three meals a day and two snacks.
Keeping our blood sugar levels even throughout the day is essential for weight loss. Choose high fiber, low fat foods as these will help you to feel fuller longer and satisfy any cravings. Healthy options would include whole grain bread, egg whites with vegetables, fresh fruit, none butter popcorn (adding cinnamon is a tasty benefit), skinless grilled chicken, or yogurt. Be sure to read labels on food packages for content on sugar, fat, sodium, artificial chemicals and preservatives.
Eat a colorful and proportionate plate.
Eating from a smaller plate will give the illusion of eating more. Ditch the dinner plate and replace it will a smaller one and add colorful fruits and vegetables. Adding fresh fruit and vegetables will create a healthy meal full of fiber and important nutrients and will curb some of those unhealthy cravings.
Drink water
Did you know that water is the most important nutrient? Drinking water aids in weight loss by making you feel fuller longer and helps to remove fat cells and toxins from your body. Adding fresh lemon to your water will help to detoxify the liver. You should drink half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces of water or approximately nine cups. You can achieve this by including herbal tea in your diet, another added health benefit.
Get Moving
Even if you’ve never exercised, you can benefit from starting slowly. Walking, parking your car further away, or taking the stairs is all helpful to boost your metabolism. The effects of exercise are cumulative, so the key is to keep doing it.
What do you say? Are you ready to ditch the weight loss drama? Cheers to a New You!!!
