Everyone has heard the weight loss mantra "Eat less, exercise more." But that is so much easier said than done. Experienced dieters have employed many tips and tricks to try and stay on target, but after months of dieting, even the most tried and true tips can seem boring. Luckily, the fitness industry is continually coming up with new and interesting ways to keep dieters and exercisers on track. And, while "eat less, exercise more" is still really the only "tip" to give lasting results, there are others that target specific problems.
Let Someone Else Weigh You
This is a technique used by Weight Watchers International that combines accountability and honesty. Putting someone else in charge of your weekly weigh-ins will give you incentive to stick to your plan or be embarrassed during the weigh-in. It also means that no fudging will be allowed when writing down the weight loss for the week. Turn away from the scale as you're being weight, too, so you won't be tempted to move around to see if you can shave off a few ounces. In addition, do not weigh yourself in between your weekly weigh-ins; weight can fluctuate during the week, leading you to add or take away food from your program to compensate.
Stand Up
Put your computer on a counter and only access it while standing. Or resolve to only talk on the phone while you're wandering around your house. You don't have to speed walk, just don't sit down until the call is complete. Standing up simply burns more calories than sitting down does, so the more you stand (as long as it's not grazing at the refrigerator) the more calories per day you'll burn.
Portion in Advance
When you're part of a family that's not collectively watching calories, you'll likely have some foods in the house that tempt you. If you are powerless over ice cream, dole out several portions into individual containers and freeze them. That way, when you must have the treat, you'll have a perfectly portioned size awaiting you. Portioning healthy food is a good idea, too, because it's possible to have too much of a good thing.
Reverse Psychology
Many diet groups recommend putting representative pictures of yourself at goal on your refrigerator or in other places to remind you of the plan to be healthy. You can try the opposite, though, and place obesity statistics there instead. Those reminders will show you where you'll go (or stay) if you don't lose your extra weight. For instance the Mayo Clinic reports that obesity will increase your chances of dying before you meet your grandchildren, never having a child, suffering depression and/or developing painful gallstones.
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