Good weight loss tips
You're 10, 20, 30 or more pounds overweight and you've dieted, on and off, for years. You've lost weight and then put it back on and more.
Why? Diets don't work. Today we know diets don't work. Even Weight Watchers says so. Restricting calories again and again alters your metabolism. That's why so many people put back the weight they lost while dieting, plus more.
Yet, desperate to lose weight, Americans keep going on diets. While there's no magic bullet for weight loss, there are steps you can take to lose weight, safely and for good, while increasing your health.
The common sense advice to "eat less, move more, " isn't entirely correct. It matters what you eat.
And here's a dirty little secret: Consuming refined carbohydrates - simple sugars and starches - is one of the biggest reasons Americans are now battling obesity. Carbohydrates you don't burn get stored in your body as fat.
Since food manufacturers began lining supermarket shelves with "no-fat" and "low-fat" foods - most of which have added sugars - we have become fatter than ever.
This list of healthy eating habits is by no means complete. But here are 12 of the many recommendations in my new book to help you lose weight and gain the benefits - more energy and a fitter, healthier you.
1. Eat a healthy breakfast every morning. Eating breakfast revs up your metabolism. If you skip breakfast you're likely to eat more calories by binging later in the day. In a study of people who lost weight and kept it off for more than five years, one major thing they all did was eat breakfast. But Pop-tarts, donuts and Hot Pockets don't cut it. Cooked oatmeal, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, eggs and tofu with a salad are all healthy choices.
2. Stop counting calories and eat foods that nourish your body. A meal of fat-free, sugar-free, refined processed foods is also nutrient-free. Plus, it won't satisfy you for long compared to a meal of nutrient-dense whole foods like vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fat. As you begin eating more nutritious foods and get a little more physical activity (if you aren't physically active now), your body will come to its natural healthy weight.
3. Always have some veggies and fruit washed and cut in your fridge. This way they're easy to grab when you're hungry (instead of reaching for that giant-size bag of potato chips) and you can throw them in your bag when you're on the go.
4. Replace diet soda with unsweetened beverages. Diet drinks keep your sweet tooth craving sweets. Plus, they make you feel virtuous. Many people who drink diet drinks actually reward themselves with extra calories through the day. Instead, drink iced teas or plain or carbonated water with a slice of lemon or lime.
5. Use the "Plate Method" to make a healthy meal. Fill half your plate with low or non-starchy veggies like broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, string beans, mushrooms, peppers, or leafy greens and some fruit. Fill one quarter, with a whole grain like brown rice, barley, bulgur, or quinoa, or a starchy vegetable like corn or potatoes, or beans. Fill the last quarter with protein like broiled, sauteed, roasted, or baked (not fried) fish, chicken or turkey without the skin, lean cuts of meat, tofu or eggs.
