Losing Weight Because Fad Diets Don’t Work

We’ve all done it. The newest fad in weight loss. I’m just as guilty as the next person. We get into the “diet”, then, after three or four weeks (if we’re lucky!) we give up. Why? Because fad diets do not work. Your weight is an integral part in your social, romantic, and physical life and affects your performance on a day to day basis. When the time comes, you will have to decide if you need to begin focusing on losing a few pounds and moving towards a healthier, more successful you. That decision is yours and yours alone. Your doctor can talk to you until he’s blue in the face. It has to be YOUR DECISION. When you decide, the information here will help guide you along your journey and reach your destination a little bit quicker.

Here are a few simple ideas you can begin to do.

Take the stairs at work.

If your office or work area is not on the ground floor, taking the stairs instead of the elevator is by far more beneficial.

Park further away from your place of work, or the mall or grocery store, when you have to go shopping.

It will add up. Parking further away from the mall or grocery shop is a great way to get the blood pumping. Of course, if the weather is inclement, then the choice is still yours!

Eat plenty of salad!

Be careful of salad dressings though! If you add just a few tablespoons of ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing-guess what? Your salad is now a high fat meal. Fats are good, in moderation AND if they’re good fats (avocados, olives, nuts for example). Try adding a flavored vinaigrette with some olive oil instead! Slicing up some avocado, adding a little bit of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of walnuts and Viola! Your salad is now packed with some good extras!

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals will help you lose weight. Avoid setting goals that are way out of your reach (like losing 10 pounds in one week). It will leave you feeling discouraged and you’ll feel like you can’t lose weight. It will most likely cause you to  give up. Just take your time and keep at it! Results will happen!

Make sure to eat slowly.

Most people eat too quickly. If you slow down and enjoy your food (I’m guilty of eating quickly!) you will realize you’re full. You are less likely to overeat while you wait for your stomach to catch up with the food you’ve already eaten.

Look for new recipes.

If you’re exercising to lose weight (which, is the best way to lose weight), you might want to incorporate more fiber and protein in your diet. Eggs (protein) and beans (fiber) are just two examples. Experiment with the recipes you already know and learn new ones that will fit into your dietary needs.

It’s not a competition

To help you lose weight, try to set up a diet that is as natural as possible. By removing as many processed foods as you can from your diet, this will help you reduce your caloric intake while increasing the quality of the foods you eat.

Make the habit of eating three times a day.

This will help you stay away from snacks and also help you reduce the quantity of food that you eat. Eat in the morning, around noon and around nine in the evening for better results. Drink water in between meals will help curb your hunger

Allow yourself a treat.

Deprivation is one of the biggest causes of weight loss failure. When you completely remove foods you love, it can often lead to a binge if your resolve weakens. Don’t completely eliminate your favorite junk foods. Allow yourself a small amount as a treat once in a while. Moderation, Moderation MODERATION! Instead of half a package of Girl Scout cookies, have 2 cookies!

No two people can follow the exact same pattern, nor lose the same amount of weight, following the same plans, but these tips that I posted above, are great for nearly any size and lifestyle. The idea is finding a way to adjust your routines and fit yourself into a schedule that results in looking and feeling better, than ever before. It is never too late to start dropping weight and a couple of pant sizes!