Long-term weight loss isn't impossible, but you do have to be committed. Having a weight loss plan for your success is a good start. Here are ten items that should go into your weight loss plan.
You can supplement your weight loss plan by adding extra steps into your day. When you go to the grocery store or to work, park further away from the building than you usually do. By doing this small thing, over time those steps add up to extra calories burned and extra pounds shed.
1. Eat breakfast. This keeps you from getting too hungry later and then losing control over what you choose to eat later in the day.
Treating yourself can actually be an important part of any weight loss diet. Making hard and fast rules about food, such as telling yourself that you'll never eat chocolate cake ever again, can actually make you obsess about food. This leads to stress and overeating, both of which can ruin your weight loss plan. Try to give yourself a small treat everyday, or a slightly larger one at the end of the week for making your goals.
Although you may be hesitant to go out to a restaurant when beginning a new weight loss plan, try splitting a meal with your significant other, friend or family member. Portion sizes are notoriously large in restaurants, so sharing enables you to still feel full without overeating or consuming extreme amounts of calories.
3. Fill up on Fiber. Eat foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The fibers in these foods will fill you up leaving less room for unhealthy choices.
When on a weight loss plan, plate your food in the kitchen before sitting down to eat instead of serving food "family style" at the table. You are more likely to plate smaller portions and wait before adding food to your plate. By waiting you allow time to feel full.
4. Don't fall into bad habits on weekends. Many people will follow a strict diet on weekends only to fall back into eating more (unhealthy) on the weekends as a reward for "being good" all week. Unfortunately, this can cause you to regain tahe weight you may have lost during the week.
Splitting your restaurant meal in half, reserving a portion to eat and a portion to take home with you, can help you stay on track with your weight loss plan. Remove all temptation to overeat by requesting that the waiter put half of your meal in a to-go container before he even serves you the meal.
5. Watch portion sizes. Your perception of what a serving size should be and a "true" serving size can differ dramatically. Measuare your portions accurately, especially when you first start your healthy eating regime.
Do not forget to consult your doctor before going on any weight loss plan. Your doctor needs to confirm that there are no underlying causes for your weight gain. He can review your weight loss plan and verify that it is appropriate for you. The most important thing is that you must be healthy.
6. Set lifestyle goals - not weight loss goals. Commitment to eating healthy foods does lead to healthy weight loss -- gradually. Looking at your weight daily can cause discouragement and will make many people give up and go back to unhealthy food choices.
Wear a pedometer to count your steps when you are on a weight loss plan. You can make a goal and then make new goals, as the number of steps you take each day increases. This helps you get more exercise than you normally would, which, in turn, helps you to burn more calories.
7. Take healthy snacks with you when you take road trips. Grab healthy granola bars, bananas, apples and other fruit to prevent the tempation of stopping for a cancy bar or milk shake.
Think positively when embarking on a weight loss plan. Don't view foods as 'bad', rather, think about them as something that doesn't fit into your lifestyle anymore. If you have the mindset that certain foods are forbidden, the temptation will be too hard to resist. Instead, focus on all the great new foods that you will be trying out. This will give you a sense of empowerment that will really help you when trying to lose weight.
8. Don't deny yourself the foods you love. If you absolutely love chocolate, go ahead and have a small pice - half of a candy bar insteaad of a whole one! And avoid eating your "splurges" every day. Save them for when you really need them!
Take your measurements when you start a weight loss plan. While you may lose pounds regularly in the beginning, there may be weeks when you don't see the scale move. When this happens take your measurements again and compare with your original numbers. Knowing that you are getting smaller, will give you the motivation that you need when the scale seems stuck.
9. Start moving. Exercise is the key to long term weight loss. You've heard the saying, "Move it or lose it." Too true!
Exercising is important if you wish to lose weight. It is good to set time aside each day so you can focus on exercise. Write down the time on the calendar so you do not make other plans.
10. Keep a journal. Writing down what you eat, when and how much you exercise and your moods will keep you on track and motivated to continue the course.
Add in protein as an important part of your weight loss plan. Lean meats and legumes are wonderful sources. Protein helps you to grow and repair muscle. It is also quickly burned by your body. Your goal should be about one gram of protein for every pound you weigh.
Weight loss is achieved by both diet and exercise. It is also achieved by persistence. If you "fall off the wagon" one day, pick yourself up and continue your healthy lifestyle the next. Don't give up!
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