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 a priority.
Keep up to date with the latest research, read articles in magazines and find out about healthy eating. With the latest information you will be able keep on course giving you that self assured feeling to achieve your weight loss goals.
Be motivated
It is very important that before you begin your weight loss programme to write down your reasons for loosing weight. Having clear goals at the start will make it easier to commit. Loosing weight to improve health problems is a good starting point, it shouldn't just be about looking good. Keep the list close to hand and refer to it regularly to keep you motivated.
Your body is a reflection of the food that 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.
Have protein at each meal.
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.
Distractions can also make you eat more.
Most individuals eat more food when they are distracted. Try to eat your meals at specific times each day. You will discover that you will consume fewer calories and will be more aware of what you eat. Studies have shown that eating while watching TV or when in traffic can make you consume 40% more calories.
You can enjoy you favourite foods.
It is not always proper to completely do away with your best foods because it is counter-productive in the end. Make sure your best foods are listed on the menu but eat smaller quantities and combine them with other healthier alternatives. Moderation is important.
Exercise a little.
Your metabolism will increase when you do more physical exercise. You will have more energy; have better sleep and a more positive attitude. If you join a keep fit program, you will increase muscle mass and have a better body. It is easier to be motivated when you workout with a group.
Finally....have confidence in yourself
Don't expect things to happen overnight changing all your ingrained habits will take some time. You may even stray from your diet plan. However don't worry. Stay focused and remind yourself why you set the goals you did - feeling fitter and being healthier than you are now. Think positive thoughts and you will overcome those difficulties, you will win in the end.
Information is a priority.
Keep up to date with the latest research, read articles in magazines and find out about healthy eating. With the latest information you will be able keep on course giving you that self assured feeling to achieve your weight loss goals.
Be motivated
It is very important that before you begin your weight loss programme to write down your reasons for loosing weight. Having clear goals at the start will make it easier to commit. Loosing weight to improve health problems is a good starting point, it shouldn't just be about looking good. Keep the list close to hand and refer to it regularly to keep you motivated.
Your body is a reflection of the food that 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.
Have protein at each meal.
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.
Distractions can also make you eat more.
Most individuals eat more food when they are distracted. Try to eat your meals at specific times each day. You will discover that you will consume fewer calories and will be more aware of what you eat. Studies have shown that eating while watching TV or when in traffic can make you consume 40% more calories.
You can enjoy you favourite foods.
It is not always proper to completely do away with your best foods because it is counter-productive in the end. Make sure your best foods are listed on the menu but eat smaller quantities and combine them with other healthier alternatives. Moderation is important.
Exercise a little.
Your metabolism will increase when you do more physical exercise. You will have more energy; have better sleep and a more positive attitude. If you join a keep fit program, you will increase muscle mass and have a better body. It is easier to be motivated when you workout with a group.
Finally....have confidence in yourself
Don't expect things to happen overnight changing all your ingrained habits will take some time. You may even stray from your diet plan. However don't worry. Stay focused and remind yourself why you set the goals you did - feeling fitter and being healthier than you are now. Think positive thoughts and you will overcome those difficulties, you will win in the end.
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 www.chemistsdirectuk.com.