The first step if you're trying to lose
weight is to have a plan! Plan on the fact that weight loss doesn't happen over night. Plan on the fact that you will feel
great as soon as you start to lose weight! You want the pounds off once and for all, so let's try a different approach this
time. Leave the "all or nothing" diet at the door and move on to smart weight loss.
Gradual changes are the smart approach to
losing weight and will get you the results you want! First set up a realistic goal weight. Pick a weight you have felt good
at in the past or a weight you know you, personally, would feel good at--not what Cosmo models feels good at! If you have
50 pounds to lose, start with a 25 pound goal first!! When you reach that, you will feel great and be ready for the next step!
Don't put a time limit on your weight
loss, as long as you are serious about finally losing the weight, and you START TODAY, you
will reach your goal eventually!
Second, at the beginning of each week decide
what lifestyle change you will incorporate into your week; stick with it and do the same the following week. These gradual
changes will help you to incorporate healthier practices and make them into habits. You will see results! Many times people
start off strong only to fade out after a couple of weeks, and they ultimately end up right where they started. Making gradual,
permanent changes will help you to lose the weight and KEEP IT OFF!
Here are a few tips to get you started:
(take
one a week, until you've incorporated them all into your everyday lifestyle!)
1. Eat 4-6 small meals throughout the day--this
helps your body more effectively use the nutrients and gets your metabolism moving.
2. Stay away from highly processed foods,
fast foods, sugary foods, sweets, and high fat foods.
3. Incorporate vegetables in place of pastas
and breads.
4. Switch to lower fat food items and choices
especially when it comes to items like cheese, milk, meats, salad dressings, and condiments.
5. Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday--shy
away from soda and juices.
6. Begin to incorporate daily exercise into
your routine--begin with 20 minutes 4 times per week.
7. Don't "clean your plate" of all the food!
Leave a little food on your plate every time you eat. Learn to eat one portion or one serving (restaurants often give huge
portions!)
8. Try not to eat 2 hours before bedtime,
and make your last meal of the day higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates (for example, grilled chicken with roasted
vegetables)
9. Take a multivitamin each day to ensure
proper nutrients and consider supplementing your program with a weight loss product that will assist you.
