Weight loss is all about energy balance. If you eat more than you burn, you gain weight. If you eat less and move more you will end up with a leaner body. In order to try to eat less most of us resort to going on a diet but are diets the best way to lose weight? There are many diets out there that will help you lose the weight but most of these diets require you to restrict food groups (like low carb or low fat diets) or don't allow any sugar in the diet. Omitting sugar from the diet is a good thing if you can do it but let's face it we all like our sweet treat from time to time. Since diets have their restrictions, it's often hard to sustain it long term. So you give in to your cravings and go on a binge. Then you feel guilty about it and the guilt makes you indulge some more and before you know it the weight is back. If fad diets and crash diets don't work in the long term then what is the best way to lose weight permanently? The best way to lose weight is to make tweaks in your lifestyle that you can keep doing for life. They don't need to be drastic changes. Start with small changes initially and add to that. You will be surprised that even small changes can go a long way over time. For the next month, incorporate 2 or 3 of the tips below to start seeing and feeling a difference in your body and mind.
1. If you eat out a lot, reduce this to once a week and opt for a healthier item on the menu.
2. Try to fit in a bit of exercise whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Do some squats, crunches, and jumping jacks (or if you're really up to it some burpees) during the commercial breaks on TV. Park your car further away and walk. Every bit of physical activity counts.
3. Instead of catching up with friends over dinner, include an activity that requires you to move like go hiking on weekends or catch up while going for a nice long walk together.
4. Have music in your iPod that energizes you. This way you're more motivated to workout.
5. Pile on the veggies to the foods you love to eat, like add more veggies to your pizza and less of the meat and cheese. You are still eating what you love but with less calories.
6. Go for a walk (or it you're fitter a 20 minute run) during your lunch break.
7. If you're really craving a bit of fast food, choose one small item like a small bag of fries or 6 piece box of chicken nuggets or a snack size wrap. Whatever you do don't supersize!
8. Make allowances for treats by having a lower calorie main or snack but remember to have the treats in petite portions. Share a dessert with one or two people rather than have one all yourself. Eat it slowly and savour. You only need a little to satisfy you.
9. Start a dance class like Zumba. It's a great cardio workout as well as being lots of fun. Get a friend to come along to double the fun.
10. Eat in small bowls and plates. This way you feel like you're eating more even though it's a much smaller portion. It's all about tricking the brain!
It's OK if you're not eating perfectly all the time. The best way to lose weight is to eat the foods you enjoy from time to time and not feel guilty about it because you are eating well most of the time and doing what you can to stay active. Eating mindfully and enjoying all kinds of food in moderation stops you from feeling deprived and miserable so you stick with the lifestyle changes you've made. On the long run you end up being a healthier and fitter person not to mention leaner. Making small changes to your lifestyle that aren't difficult to do is the best way to lose weight because it also ensures that the weight doesn't come back.
