Sometimes you just need someone on your side who can speak words of wisdom to you that will encourage you and give you the right information to reach your goals. Consider this article as that wise friend. Its full of tips and advice on losing weight and keeping it off.
A key element of weight loss is portion control. Modern portion sizes, especially when eating out, are nearly double the size they used to be. Choosing healthy food is a great start, but if you do not control how big your portions are, that healthy dish could have twice the calories that you would expect it to.
One of the handiest tips gained from many decades of dieting is to drink an entire glass of tomato or V-8 juice with 2 heaping tablespoons of bran stirred into it. You can also use psyllium seed husks. The reason for this is to give your stomach something to satisfy the need for bulk right away in the morning, and because it’s low-calorie and high fiber, that breakfast drink will get things moving later in the day without adding much to your daily caloric intake.
Once you have decided to lose weight, take an index card and write down all the reasons you want or need to lose the weight. Carry this card in your purse or pocket. Remembering the reasons for changing to a healthier lifestyle will enable you to make good choices.
Try not to get discouraged if you can’t notice a difference a few days into a new weight loss diet. Remember, it is very hard to put on a pound overnight, so don’t expect to be able to lose a pound that quickly either. One good way to monitor your weight loss is to take one photograph at the end of every month, then look back through the photos after 6 months.
Sleep depravation can be a cause for weight gain. When you are not getting enough sleep, the level of hormones that regulate hunger become altered, and you will find that you have an increase in your hunger level. Sometimes being hungry does not mean that you need to eat more, you may just need more sleep at night.
When trying to lose weight, many people think that dessert should be completely out of the question. This is just not true. Try making a desert with fruits such as bananas and put a dash of cinnamon on top, to give you that rich dessert taste without adding any extra sugar.
Eating a Mediterranean diet is wonderful when trying to lose weight. This type of diet is full of foods that have many benefits to your heart, and will actually help you lose weight even more than a low-fat diet will. You can find many recipes on line that look good, and have fun experimenting in the kitchen.
Water is one of the most important things to consume for weight loss. Water helps to reduce the toxins in your body, which can build up and lead to excess fat. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid energy drinks because they are packed with carbs and excess caffeine. Instead, eat a piece of fruit for energy, this is healthier and can help you reduce your weight.
If you are trying to lose weight, try using something to keep you motivated. Therefore, consider using the ideal outfit that you hope to fit into one day as your source of motivation. Keep this outfit hanging in your room so that you will always see it. Try hanging them in your kitchen instead of the closet because the kitchen is the source of most of your weight gain.
Creating a timeline for your weight loss goals is very useful when you translate it into a calendar or poster since it is tangible. Having something you see every day as a reminder of your goals will not only keep you on track but also make you more motivated which will bring you one step closer to where you want to be!
It’s always a good idea to add colorful vegetables to your meals when losing weight. They are chalked with fiber, minerals and nutrients that your body needs. The best vegetables in this group are spinach, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and kale. Put these in your diet for great results!
Most people’s weight loss tends to come in stages and layers. This means if you hit a plateau where you seem unable to make the number go down any further you shouldn’t worry. This is a completely natural and expected part of weight loss. Just keep going and eventually the number will probably drop quickly.
At the end of the day, you make the choices that will ultimately make you succeed or fail. This article has been a friend speaking in your ear, giving you some great advice on what you can do and what you can avoid in your weight loss battle. The results are up to you.