People across America are acutely aware that the best way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. However, millions still invest in lose weight quick “schemes” to rid themselves of weight as fast as they can. Pills, topical creams, weight loss books, surgeries, etc. are a 30 billion-dollar industry that continues to thrive while the American public continues to gain weight at an alarming rate. Why are we so willing to spend the money, put ourselves through surgery, take pills that have horrible side effects, instead of doing what the experts are telling us? What steps do we need to take to change our mindset and our habits in order to become our thin, svelte, healthy selves? Here are some specific tips to help you change your ways and become the person you want to be.
Eat Less
The best way to lose weight is to substantially cut your intake of food, reduce fat, carbohydrates and calories and burn more calories than you consume each day. There really isn’t any other way to lose weight, unless you have surgery to get rid of the weight, and then you still have to drastically cut your intake of food.
People often assume that if they just work out a little more, they will be able to work off a cheeseburger and fries for lunch, lasagna for dinner, and three glasses of wine before bed. There is a lack of understanding that all of the calories and fat consumed during one "bad" day really will take a week’s worth of exercise to rid the amount of calories consumed during that day. Start thinking about weight loss as more about food intake than about the amount you exercise and drastic changes will occur for your body.
Think About What You Are Eating
Consider the food you are about to ingest and ask yourself these simple questions before you put the food in your mouth:
- Am I really hungry?
- Am I thirsty? Do I need a glass of water first to determine if I really need this food?
- Why am I eating this? Am I feeling sad, depressed, or lonely or am I truly hungry?
- Is this really healthy for me?
- Will this help my body have more energy?
- How will this make my body feel if I eat this?
If you take a few minutes to answer these questions, some of the food will go right back in the cupboard or refrigerator.
Stop Watching So Much T.V.
Consider making it a rule that if you watch television you have to exercise the entire time you are doing it. Imagine how much less time you would spend in front of the television if you incorporated this rule into your daily life. Much of America is spending hours upon hours in a sedentary environment - watching television and playing video games, while they are consuming additional calories. Consider making it a rule to stand up while you watch television/play games and exercise while you are doing it.
Walk More
Can you walk to the local market and pick up a healthy dinner? Can you walk to work or park further away and walk a further distance to work? Incorporate many more steps in your day to strengthen your heart and body and to help burn more calories.
In addition, talk to your doctor about a work out schedule that is appropriate for your body. Consider the best time of day for you to work out and begin to make changes in your life to incorporate daily exercise that makes you feel good, healthy, and strong. Exercise is important, but it isn’t the only or the most important component to weight loss. Instead think about exercise as a crucial activity that strengthens and tones your heart, muscles, and body in order for it to be stronger and more capable for living.
Drink in Moderation
A lot of Americans drink alcohol to relax after a stressful day. You have to remember, however, there are a lot of calories in alcohol that people tend to forget about. It also lowers your inhibitions and there is a possibility of additional caloric intake after a couple of drinks. Also, after drinking too much, people tend to binge on food the next day to quell a queasy stomach. Steer clear of drinking too much and drink in moderation, such as only one or two drinks per week.
Remember making these important changes will not only make your body look good, but it will feel great as well.
