A Slimmer, Better You
Patience and Common Sense Are The Best Guide To Losing Weight
Seems like every week somebody is touting a new diet that promises miraculous results. But if you’re really looking to lose those extra pounds, consider this. The healthiest way to lose weight is NOT to go on a crash diet and or jump into an intense exercise program. When it comes to food and exercise, your body needs to change slowly. Diets that severely restrict calories or avoid whole categories of food are often deficient in key nutrients. And rushing into an intensive exercise program will eventually just burn you out.
“The best way to lose weight is to combine a healthy diet with a moderate exercise program and make both part of your lifestyle,” says (name, title). “Commitment is the key if you want to lose the weight and keep it off.”
Exercise
A regular exercise program is a healthy habit. In addition to helping you lose weight, regular exercise can rev up your energy level and make you feel better emotionally. Start by talking to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. It can be as simple as a 30-minute brisk walk several times a week. The key to motivating yourself is to find something that you enjoy doing: swimming, cycling, aerobic classes, tennis. If you like being around other people, try a team sport. Make it fun! If you’re riding a stationary bike, for example, watch TV or listen to music. If you get bored with your routine, try something new. Instead of walking, ride a bike or take up dancing.
Diet
- A realistic goal is to eat 300 to 500 less calories per day. That adds up to a weight loss of one to two pounds per week.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show that breakfast-eaters are only half as likely to be obese. Include whole grains.
- Try to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
- Don’t eat out so much. Restaurants and fast-food tend to be higher in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
- Keep a food diary. Just writing down your food intake can show you where you’re going wrong. You might be amazed at what you eat and how often you do.
- Replace soft drinks with water.
- Enjoy smaller portions and eat before you feel hunger. When you allow yourself to become hungry, you are tempted to overcompensate and eat more.
Take baby steps at first. Small changes can make a big difference. For example, say you eat one less biscuit a week. Over a year, all else being equal, you’ll lose five pounds!
Once you start your plan, weigh yourself once a week before breakfast. Keep track of your progress. Seeing the pounds come off will motivate you even more. Before you know it, you’ll have a slimmer, better you.
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