20 Ways to Lose Weight
1. Take it one step at a time
Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets
and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control,
add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day
at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising
you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you
chose an activity that you enjoy.
2. Find a friend
It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight.
Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in
together and maybe even have a contest.
3. Use weights
Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you
will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so
you will be smaller ((but probably weigh more).
4. Eat fewer carbs
Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.
5. Set a goal
Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By
Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see
it daily.
6. Give up soda
If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you
find it hard to stop completely, cut back at first and drink water
instead.
7. Grill or boil
Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it
and probably enjoy it more.
8. Don't buy junk food
When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less
likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be
tempted to indulge.
9. Eat breakfast
Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast.
Don't eat after 8pm and not only will you avoid those added calories but
you will sleep better.
10. Give yourself a treat
When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more.
Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel
you are missing out.
11. Use smaller plates
Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a
smaller plate.
12. Drink lots of water
Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full'
feeling.
13. Don't eat everything on your plate
Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you
have had enough.
14. Eat five or six meals a day
Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.
15. Plan your workout sessions
Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.
16. Stay away from fad diets
Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will
gain it back ( and more) just as fast. It takes time to put it on and
time to take it off.
17. Do several workouts a day
While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.
18. Measure your food
If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and
control what you eat.
19. Keep pre-cut vegetables
...and ward off those cravings.
20. Create Good Habits
It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes
a habit. Create good eating habits.
About the author:
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to
look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at
http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book
Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.
