Friday, October 30, 2009

7 Fat Loss Tips You Can't Do Without

By Thong M. Dao

If you are like many people who are trying to lose weight, you have probably tried diet after diet only to find out that the diet you are currently on is not helping your fat loss plans. The reason for this might be that you are using fad diets and weight loss programs that do damage to the body instead of helping it achieve its ideal weight. If you want to lose fat and stay healthy, follow the following tips to help you achieve your goal.

1. Why are you overweight? Do you have a problem with emotional eating? If that's the case you need to teach yourself to turn to solutions other than food when you have an emotional difficulty. If you are just not eating right, learn how to eat well and nutritiously. Check with your doctor if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. When you find out what is causing you to gain weight, you can go ahead and find a solution that will encourage fat loss.

2. Decide that from now on you control your food intake. Look for a long term healthy diet that will allow you to live a healthy life. Do not let friends and family pressure you into eating something you shouldn't eat. Do not let restaurant menus or food in your fridge influence what you will be eating. Eat only what you decide you will be eating in order to attain a healthy lifestyle.

3. Instead of eating three big meals, eat small frequent meals. If you eat frequently throughout the day, your metabolism works continuously and burns calories. If you eat big meals your metabolism goes up and down and it is actually harder to lose weight that way. Pay attention to what you eat during these meals and stay away from processed snacks that are high in fat and sugar.

4. Take your time. Eating more slowly and allowing yourself to savor the food does two things. It allows your body to tell you more readily when you're full, and it helps you satisfy your appetite. After all, if you're eating quickly, the taste of the food may not register at all.

5. Don't make major changes in your lifestyle. It is much easier to follow a fat loss diet when you don't need to make huge changes in your eating habits. Choose a plan that will allow you to make small changes, allowing time for yourself to get used to each change. You should not feel that you need to starve or eat food that you are not familiar with.

6. Avoid processed foods. Whole grains, veggies, and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet, as is lean protein. If you usually eat a lot of refined carbohydrates and fatty animal protein, you may have trouble maintaining your weight. You may also be at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and many other ailments. A more rounded diet featuring more vegetable sources, less refined carbohydrates, and more protein is an important key to many people's fat loss plans.

7. Remember to hydrate. Water, unsweetened teas, and other relatively calorie free beverages that provide good hydration (diet beverages often have caffeine, which can reduce their hydrating ability) are a must. You'll feel fuller, your body will be able to keep itself cleansed, and the flavor of teas and similar drinks keeps you from having cravings.

About the Author:

No comments: