It is natural for anyone wanting to shed unwanted pounds to wish to shed it rapidly. However those who shed weight slowly and consistently (about 1 pound per week) are much more successful at maintaining weight loss. Health and fitness are about commitment. You must be committed to making positive changes and not wavering when it comes to your weight-loss plan. Healthy weight loss is also not about a particular diet or exercise program.
One of the keys to successful weight loss and weight management is to make healthy lifestyle changes. Changing your eating habits is a good place to start, but it is only one part of a successful weight loss and management plan. In order to reach and maintain a healthy weight, you also need to make healthy lifestyle changes. These changes may include eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, moderate physical activity, and quitting smoking and alcohol.
Eating a balanced diet means eating foods that provide the nutrients you need and don’t contain excess calories. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables and fiber helps you lose weight because it keeps your body’s energy balance constant. Foods that are high in fat and sodium won’t keep your energy balance consistent and will keep you from feeling satisfied. Fat and sodium may increase your risk of developing health problems, including high cholesterol and hypertension.
Getting plenty of sleep and maintaining a positive attitude about your health and weight management are also important ways to stay on track. A lack of energy or boredom from TV or computer screens will keep you from staying focused on your weight loss. Taking time for yourself and doing fun activities like sports or dancing will help you stay interested in and motivated about your weight loss plan.
If you’re already on a weight-loss regimen but you want to make it more effective, it’s a good idea to add some physical exercise to it. New research proves that taking part in exercise burns up more calories than simply walking or jogging. To improve results, register with a local gym or join a class for exercise, even if you only want to do it one day a week. Taking part in cardiovascular exercises burns many more calories than simply walking or running so it can be a good addition to any weight-loss program.
Another way to stay on track with your weight management is to eat smaller portions more often. A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that those who ate larger portions but ate smaller servings lost less weight than those who ate the same amount of calories but ate smaller portions. Of course, the benefits of a small calorie deficit aren’t clear for everyone. Some dieters may not be able to handle a negative calorie balance, which is why a nutritionist is helpful when choosing the right food and dosage for your individual needs. A positive attitude and a decreased stress level also contribute to eating smaller portions, making them a great addition to a weight-loss program.
Many dieters choose smaller portions because they believe they won’t feel full as they skip breakfast. This is partially true, but eating breakfast doesn’t actually make you feel less hungry, especially if you pair it with healthy snacks. The reason why you don’t feel full after eating breakfast is because your brain uses up calories to make it through the day. Skipping breakfast simply helps you feel fuller so you choose larger meals and snacks later in the day.
These tips are just five ways to change your eating habits for a healthier weight. Keep in mind that weight loss is a lifelong journey. Even when you lose a few pounds, it’s always good to maintain a healthy weight for better health. Changing your unhealthy eating habits for a healthier weight isn’t easy but following these tips will help you lose weight and keep it off.
