Losing weight is a tough challenge for almost everybody. With so many different diets and weight loss methods, it's easy to get confused by conflicting advice about what to eat and what not to eat. But here are nine useful weight loss tips that can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
1) Start a food journal. This is a daily record of the food you eat. You can use a notebook, a blog, or a chart on the wall, whatever suits you best. The important thing is to use the journal consistently and record absolutely everything that goes into your mouth. Most people find that becoming aware of their bad eating habits can start to shift their behavior in a healthier direction.
2) Start an exercise journal. Writing down your exercise plans and achievements can help you stay motivated, especially if you're not used to exercising on a regular basis.
3) Choose to eat good fats rather than bad fats. Contrary to what some dieters believe, you should not try to remove all fat from your diet. A certain amount of fat is necessary to maintain good physical and mental health. The good types of fat are found in foods such as fish, olive oil, and walnuts, so make a point of eating more of these foods. On the other hand, the bad fats are found in red meat and dairy products, so try to reduce your consumption of these foods.
4) Eat more frequent but smaller meals throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to eat five or six small meals containing the same amount of food you would normally eat in three meals. Eating small meals regularly during the day helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels so that you don't feel hungry. And when you avoid intense hunger pangs, it's easier to stick to your diet plan.
5) Avoid drinking alcohol. Wine, beer, and spirits contain a lot of empty calories, and the influence of alcohol may weaken your resolve to stick to your diet.
6) Go for a walk every day. A brisk 30 minute walk will boost your metabolism, burn calories, and lift your mood.
7) Choose high protein foods for your meals. Lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and beans suppress your appetite and keep you feeling full longer. It takes more energy to digest protein than carbs, making it more of a calorie-burning food.
8) Partner up with another dieter. If you have a friend or family member who is also trying to lose weight, you can give each other moral support and even work out together. This will help you stay motivated and enthusiastic.
9) Enjoy a cheat day once in a while. Many people who are dieting miss eating their favorite foods. If you give yourself a small treat occasionally, you will find it easier to stay on your diet.
Dieting is never a walk in the park, but if you are willing to change your lifestyle in a few ways you will soon notice positive results. Once you start to look and feel better, you will be happy that you made the effort.
