Many people have heard of and tried typical diet advice, but have found little success. Maybe it is lack of time in a busy schedule, or maybe a more detailed approach for applying diet advice to real life is needed. Here's some common weight loss tips and how to make them actually work.
Eat (a Nutritious) Breakfast to Loose Weight
Never skip breakfast. Hunger is likely to kick in mid-morning, resulting in the urge to eat a fattening snack. Skipping breakfast can also result in the tendency to overeat at lunch. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that it is alright to have a doughnut or Egg McMuffin every morning. A bowl of hardy breakfast cereal with skim milk is a great option. This will provide healthy carbohydrates, protein and some vitamins and minerals. The key here is a hardy cereal. A rice based cereal may be lower in calories, but is not likely to keep a stomach full for long. Look for cereals with bran, fiber or whole grains. It's a fast, cheap breakfast that can even be easily made and eaten at work.
Drink Plenty of (the Right) Fluids to Loose Weight
Here is another case where adding something to a diet can actually help increase weight loss. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger. Drinking plenty of fluids can make the stomach feel full, resulting in less overeating. Try drinking an 8 ounce glass of water before every meal.
Not a big water fan? Either skim milk (the protein will also help you to feel full) or any beverage that has no calories, caffeine or alcohol can be substituted. Herbal teas (without sugar), decaf coffee with only skim milk (no sugar or cream), sugar free drinks (such as Crystal Light) and caffeine free, diet sodas are fine. Do not make the mistake of thinking that 100% juice is a good option. Just because it has no added sugar does not mean it is low in calories.
Eat (Quality) Protein at Every Meal to Loose Weight
Protein not only provides long lasting energy, but also helps keep you feeling fuller longer. Choose a meat or fish which is low in fat and calories. It is important that its' preparation not add extra fat or calories. Tuna is a great option for an easy, protein packed meal at home or work. Drain a can and mix with fat free mayonnaise and relish (if desired). Eat with raw veggies or on whole grain bread. Chicken breasts are also a great option. Bake several at a time in a fat free Italian dressing marinade. Then throughout the week, create quick and easy lunches and dinners by tossing them on salads or stuffing them into wraps with raw veggies. Chicken breasts and tuna are two examples of meats that contain much more protein and much less sodium and nitrates than other typical lunch staples such as cold cuts or turkey hot dogs.
These tips will not guarantee weight loss, but making these small changes will help improve diet and overall health.
