You may want to control your weight for several reasons; just to look good in that dress or because your doctor suggests that you start losing weight for your health. Whatever the reason, starting a new diet scheme can be very difficult, especially when you think about all the favorite things that you will have to give up. Some people get so overwhelmed by just the thought, that they don’t start dieting at all!
However there are a few simple steps that you need to follow in order to develop a health regime for yourself. There are certain habits that you can adopt right now which can help you a lot in the long run. However, nothing comes easy and some effort is definitely required on your part to start losing weight.
Although there are many methods being used by people around the world to shed those extra few pounds and keep them off, this article discusses three simple things that you need to begin with.
Motivation And Goals
The first and the most important requirement to start losing weight is being motivated enough to achieve your goals. When people start a new dieting regime, they quickly lose the motivation to follow it, especially when they see people all around them eating things that they possibly can’t. The trick is to keep in mind your final results. Picture what you want to look like after you have lost weight, how you want to dress. With this image in mind, compel yourself to stick to your dieting plan. Jot down some goals and start working to achieve your dreams.
You can also make a daily planner for yourself and set deadlines. This is an excellent way to keep you on track. For example, “lose 15 pounds by March 25”. You can even note this down on the calendar in your room to give yourself a reminder every time you look at it.
It is a real motivator when your family and friends are involved in helping you to start losing weight. They can be your cheerleaders, helping you stay focused and motivated. Your family and friends can also join you, and together, all can start losing weight and looking good and being healthy.
Health Food Choices
Make healthier choices, i.e. when you are hungry opt for something that is healthy and not brimming with unhealthy fats and calories. Some people are of the view that they can burn it all off later on a treadmill. This is not a good idea. Instead consider this: what is easier? Eating a whole burrito and then burning off the calories spending hours on the treadmill, or not eating it at all? Remember, it takes burning 3500 calories to lose one pound. It takes about one hour to burn 300 calories on a treadmill. Something to think about when reaching for that 500 calorie Bagel! Eliminating these added calories will help you start losing weight.
When you crave a snack, pick out a fruit or a vegetable instead of a chocolate or cake. The high water content of the fruits and vegetables keep you feeling fuller. If you are thirsty, instead of buying yourself a soda pop, buy a bottle of water to quench your thirst. Too many soft and fizzy drinks are not good for the health anyway. Meanwhile water will help flush out all toxins from the body, keep you looking fresh and doesn’t come with any extra calories. Most fruits and veggies are negative calories. It take more calories to process these food than is in the fruits and veggies.
You should not downright avoid eating everything with fats or carbs as these are essential components of a balanced and healthy diet and your body needs them. Instead, look at the daily requirement chart and eat your meals accordingly, i.e. your meals and snacks should meet the daily requirements of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins that your body needs.
Also, unhealthy snacks, such as chocolates or ice creams, should be taken once in a while too. If you deprive yourself too much for too long, you will end up binge eating. Consuming these unhealthy choices once in a while will keep you content. Dark Chocolate is actually a very good treat, taken in moderation and can help your heart health.
Exercise And cardiovascular
Try to make exercising a daily habit and enjoy it – don’t look at it as a means to torment yourself! Go for a walk or jog. If you don’t enjoy exercise then try to opt for an outdoors activity that burns calories and allows you to have a good time as well. This way when you start losing weight it does not become a horrible experience, but is fun instead. You can play a sport like basketball, tennis, softball or even hockey. If you enjoy biking, that is also a good option. Riding a bike is a cardiovascular exercise that maintains the health of your heart as well as the circulatory system.
Exercise is not only important for weight loss but also for the well-being of your entire body. The human body is designed to stay on the move and an inactive lifestyle will be hazardous to your physical health. People who live an active lifestyle can easily start losing weight and manage their health, they also look younger for longer.