Rapid weight loss methods have spread like an epidemic of their own the last few years and it shows no signs of letting up. Many of these methods rely mostly on dietary foods and/or supplements to be taken by the weight loss hopeful. Unfortunately, more often than not, these methods simply do not work and can prove to do more bad than good to your overall health. Even in the cases that show some positive results, the effects are usually temporary. It is best, for the average dieteer, to count on the natural, healthier weight loss alternatives which will give you long-lasting results without relying on pill-a-day methods. Following are some tips to take into account as you embark on your healthy weight loss mission.
Do not starve yourselve
The healthiest way to lose weight is to not diet. Sure, by cutting back on your food intake you may appear to be losing some of the body fat that we all have learned to hate, but, this will not last long. Without adequate food resources, our bodies do not have the stamina to replenish the daily energy that we all use regardless of routine. The infrequent feeding may also stimulate your body's survival mode of storage. If you become used to eating less, your metabolism will slow down and the body will simply store more; the opposite effect we are going for.
Start your day right
Starting your day off properly is vital in weight loss. It's absolutely true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day as having a nutritional meal in the morning can help boost your metabolism. The food that you intake during breakfast is what your body will use to burn fat for the entire day.
Eat small, eat often
Eating a small meal every few hours (every 3 hours is usually a safe time frame) will boost your metabolism as oppose to the traditional 3 square meals a day. Once your body gets used to the frequent meals, it will burn the calories alot faster as the need to store it is no longer an issue. Why is it no longer an issue? Because your body realizes that it will be replenished within a few hours. Another bonus with limiting the amount of food per sitting is that you will no longer over-eat as this has been a major problem with the general public; we tend to eat more than we need.
Keep it real
It is important to keep your weight loss goals realistic and logical. Losing a massive amount of weight over a small period of time is not realistic and will ultimately lead to your loss of self-confidence and self-esteem when you fail to reach this target. Think about the long run. 52 pounds over the course of one year may not be the quick fix that you want for your weight problem, but it is real and very much possible. This works out to only 1 pound a week for the entire year; easily achieved with a healthy meal plan and simple exercise routine. With a realistic goal like this, you don't need to starve yourself or go to the gym 5 times a week. Plus, it's easier to overachieve this way.
Water, water, water
Drinking plenty of water on a daily is another great and easy way to boost your metabolism. Your body needs the water to burn fat and maintain healthy cells by keeping them hydrated. Drinking alot of water will also help flush your systems of the unwanted junk. Sure you take more bathroom breaks this way, but your body will love you for it.
Stay away from sugar
Simply put; sugar encourages fat storage. Stay away from sugar by designing your meals around fruits, vegetables and lean meat. A little bit of bread, rice or pasta is necessary to replenish the much needed carbohydrates. Sodas should be banned from your body as they hold nothing of nutritional value and contain unhealthy acids. Coffee should be a once-a-morning thing; if you need more than this you need more sleep. Allow yourself a yummy snack every now and then as a reward for good weight loss progress.
Track your fat
Keep in mind that you still need your daily fat intake for your body to function. Choose the healthy fats that Canola, olive and peanut oils have and turn to tuna and salmon for their healthy omega-3 fats.
Exercise
Exercising doesn't mean going to the gym every day and running on the treadmill for a couple hours. Walk to near destinations instead of getting in your car, avoid escalators and elevators, park at the back of the lot and take relaxing daily walks through your neighbourhood with a friend. Doing these little things on a regular basis adds up without you even breaking a sweat. They are easily employed and, once you get used to it, will become second nature.
Remember to go easy on yourself. Keep your goals down to earth. Eat correctly. Drink plenty of water. Have plenty of sleep. Do these things and you will not only lose the weight, you will keep it off.
