Losing weight has become an obsession with people who have previously been careless about their diets. After years of bad eating habits, some major lifestyle changes must take place in order to lose excess weight and keep it off. Fad diets and starvation may take off pounds, but for a long-term healthy weight, nothing is better than having a great attitude about food and respecting it for the nutritional value. Find the tools that work for you long-term in order to be at your healthiest weight.
Motivation
Motivation to lose weight is the most important aspect and your ultimate goal. According to an article written by the staff at the Mayo Clinic, success at losing weight is all about being ready for the challenge. Be realistic about your goal, and enlist family and friends to support you. With the motivation comes believing in yourself.
Satisfied Appetite
Rather than wait until you're ravenous, keep your furnace stoked with smaller meals. An article on the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute website recommends eating small dinner portions. Take fruit to work for snacking. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your diet to prevent hunger.
Low-Fat Substitutes
Replace high-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives in every recipe you prepare. Instead of full-fat hamburgers, substitute low-fat ground beef--or even better, ground turkey. Eat baked snacks instead of fried chips. Rather than fry anything, bake it. Don't eliminate all fat, but cut back significantly.
Water
Drink water when you're thirsty. Most other drinks contain calories that count toward your daily allowance. At least eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day keeps your thirst at bay and helps eliminate the temptation to drink soda or juice. Even juice has calories that you would be better off getting from the whole fruit because of the fiber and hunger-satisfying benefits in the pulp.
Exercise
Based on the simple fact that movement burns calories, exercise is essential to losing weight. At least 30 minutes of aerobic activity three days per week boosts your metabolism to burn calories more efficiently. On the other days, do about 15 minutes of weight and strength training. Muscle requires more energy to maintain.
Park the Car
Leave the car at home if possible. Walk, bicycle or skate whenever possible. If you must use your car, park in the farthest spot from your destination. Even 20 or 30 extra steps each way burns additional calories.
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