1. Obesity is becoming a world-wide problem, and is
predicted to reach epidemic levels in the United States by
the year 2020. Even though it is well understood by most
people of the health risks to being overweight, the
problem takes on a sort of "catch-22" dilemma, as the
heavier people become the easier it is to develop a
sedentary lifestyle, which will cause more weight to be
gained. So we have two solutions: if you are not yet
overweight, do everything in your power not to get there,
and if you are overweight, take it one day at a time to get
to where you should be.
2. First, keep in mind that crash diet plans involving diet
drinks and pills don't work, and if they do the effects will
only be temporary. It is better to rely on a healthy weight
loss option which will provide lifetime results. You have to
set realistic goals and not expect to lose a lot of pounds in
a short span of time. Here are some tips on how you can
lose those unwanted pounds the healthy way:
3. 1. Don't starve yourself. We think that a key to losing
weight is: don't diet. Most people when they think of a
diet, they think of eating healthy for a set period of time.
Think of your "diet" as the way you are going to eat for
the rest of your life, always adding new items that are
healthy for you and eliminating foods, even if they are
among your favorites, if they do not add nutritional value.
Understanding all about Mediterranean food is one step
toward a healthy lifestyle diet.
4. 2. Set a goal as to how much you want to lose. Keep your
goals realistic. In the long run health, it is virtually
impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a
mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for
the rest of your life. Once you have decided on a weight
loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you
follow your own set of dieting rules.
5. 3. Eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast. It is the most
important meal of the day. Make sure it is food that will
jump-start your metabolism.
6. 4. Eat meals that are smaller, and eat more often, than
three large hearty meals. This does increase your
metabolism and burns calories faster. If your system has to
process smaller amounts throughout the day instead of
massive overload a couple of times during the day, it will
obviously function more efficiently.
7. 5. More water, less sugar. Will water help you lose weight?
Water is the key weapon to losing weight and keeping it
off. The natural sugars in fruit will make it unnecessary to
add a sugar to your diet.
8. 6. Watch the fats you eat. You need fats to stay alive, but
the right kind of fat. Tuna, mackerel and salmon, as well as
walnuts contain omega-3 fats, which are excellent.
Knowing your fats and their proper intake is another key
to losing weight the healthy way.
9. 7. Finally, exercise. Even an excellent diet will only take
you so far. There are literally dozens of ways to take small
steps in your everyday life to add exercise, such as taking
the stairs instead of the elevator, so do them at every
opportunity. Go to the gym and hiring a trainer will be
money well spent, and probably save you in medical costs
down the road.
10. You don't need a Spartan lifestyle to lose weight; only
sensible steps a little at a time. It should be everyone's
goal not to be included in the growing obesity numbers.
