You know it is time to take action if you can't get into your jeans and even your baggiest pair of sweat pants isn't sagging anymore. Losing weight has to be a priority. Say you have 30 lb. to lose. The first step is to acknowledge your goal and commit to it. Then by making some changes in what and how much you eat along with a concerted effort to get more exercise, you will be on your way to a success in the weight-loss war.
Step 1
Consult your primary care physician prior to beginning a weight-loss initiative. Ask her for recommendations on how you can flush fluids and fat out of your system.
Step 2
Drink more water every day. The more water you drink, the more fluid will be pushed out of your body so that you will not be bloated. Drinking water will help you lose weight because it is calorie free, and it decreases your appetite. Choose purified water over tap and carry a water bottle with you when you are away from home so you can stay fully hydrated.
Step 3
Sip on diet lemonade and green tea for their diuretic effects. These teas will help draw the fluid along with impurities out of your system. They can be drunk hot or cold. Experiment with added flavors to make these drinks more appealing. Use a no-calorie sweetener rather than sugar. Check to make sure bought lemonades and teas do not contain high-fructose corn syrup which adds calories.
Step 4
Sweat out the extra fluid in your body. Get rid of fluid and start dropping weight by becoming more physically active. Find a sport or exercise that appeals to you and commit to working out at least three times a week. Start with walking 15 minutes a day if you are very out of shape until you can do more extensive exercising. Drink lots of water before, while and after you exercise.
Step 5
Count your calories to make sure you have reduced them enough to lose weight. It is important to count the caloric value of everything you eat including small snacks as the numbers can get large quickly. Write down what you eat along with the calories in a diet diary so you are accountable. You will lose weight consistently if you adhere to a low-calorie diet.
Step 6
Increase your consumption of water-based foods to help you lose weight. According to CNN Health, foods such as fresh crisp vegetables, low-fat milk and soups will help you drop pounds because of the fact that these items lower the calorie density in meals that would often not have a high fluid content.
Step 7
Lower your salt intake to stop bloating. Cut down on the amount of salt you sprinkle on your food or eliminate it altogether. The Mayo Clinic advises you to look at the salt content in such items as canned foods, deli meats and soups.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your feet elevated while you are at rest. This will help you keep them from swelling and helps you relax.
- Make an additional appointment with your doctor if you continue to experience bloating and swelling despite efforts to cut calories and drink more fluids. You might have an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
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