If your physician recommends it, there are several safe ways to weight loss that you can do on your own. A steady, long-lasting weight loss of up to 2 pounds a week is generally recommended for optimal long-term weight control. That being said, too many eating plans leave you dissatisfied or constantly hungry. If you’re like most people, your current weight loss plan isn’t working for you. Find out what you can do to make this plan work for you!
The most important tip for weight loss is to start with a real, sustainable diet that doesn’t leave you craving fatty foods. Cravings are caused by hunger pangs and aren’t good at all for your weight loss efforts. You can curb cravings by finding nutritious alternatives to your regular foods. For instance, instead of snacking all day long, start by serving yourself fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, and some lean protein.
To make long-term weight loss work, it’s best to avoid starchy carbs such as bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes, and processed flour products as much as possible. Instead, eat more unrefined carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. If you must eat starchy carbs, limit your intake to one or two types a day. Stick to whole-grain bread, pasta, and other foods that are high in fiber.
Another important tip for dieters is to exercise regularly and to include physical activity as part of your daily diet. Exercise provides many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function, better metabolic rate, weight loss, improved muscle tone, and body fat ratio, reduced body fat, and increased muscle mass.
In addition to boosting your metabolism, exercise helps to maintain your weight loss, boosts your energy, and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Vegetable juices and fruits are the best sources of natural nutrients and vitamins. To make vegetable juices high in nutrients, soak raw fruits and veggies in water for at least a few hours before juicing. For the best results, use fresh produce whenever possible.
These simple changes will have you on your way to losing those stubborn, unwanted pounds. Another tip for total weight loss is to limit your intake of sweets and fatty foods. Sugar intake should be limited to very small portions only, especially in the first two weeks (the body has little capacity to burn fat). The body uses sugar as a source of energy, and excess amounts can cause weight gain and other health problems.
To sweeten foods, try using honey, molasses, or agave nectar instead of sugar. Agave nectar is especially sweet; about one teaspoon is sufficient to sweeten just one meal or a handful of vegetables. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of natural sugar, though they are also high in calories.