1. Keep a diary.
Keep a food journal and use it to devise a plan to counter all your bad habits. Apart from figuring out your daily consumption, writing down what and when you eat can help motivate you to make better choices.
Click here for advice on choosing foods that promote healthy weight loss.
2. Discover what works…
…and what doesn’t. Because we’re all unique (shape, height, gender etc.), our dietary needs and fitness requirements will differ so instead of following an eating plan that your sister recommended, visit a specialist first who can design something with your individual lifestyle in mind.
Click here for more weight loss essentials.
3. Eat breakfast
We cannot stress the importance of a hearty meal in the mornings. Not only does it stimulate your metabolism, but include a healthy dose of lean protein to your early java, and you’ll be less likely to binge later in the day too.
Click here for some delicious breakfast ideas.
4. Set realistic goals
Having a long-term goal is good, but to make your weight loss journey seem easier and less of a drag, set short-term targets for yourself too. Remember that achieving lasting weight loss requires an eating plan and an exercise regime that is practical enough to be part of your lifestyle forever.
Click here and learn more about healthy living, diets and nutrition basics.
5. Don’t give up
Being healthy will benefit you in the long run, but getting into shape does not mean you can’t indulge on the odd occasion. Instead of getting despondent and giving up after a ‘break out’ (or if you’ve suddenly hit a plateau), make a decision to remain optimistic.
Click here to discover why many diets – and dieters - fail.
6. Make exercise a priority
For weight loss, what you put in is essential, but any expert will tell you that true success is a combination of eating properly and exercising regularly.
Click here for a list of fun ways to get fit.
7. Load up on fruit and veggies
Top off every meal with a fruit or a portion of veggies because they’re low in energy, high in volume and astronomical in disease-fighting nutrients.
Click here for fruit smoothie ideas and simple vegetable dishes that your whole family can enjoy!
8. Reward yourself
Losing weight and keeping it off is an accomplishment worth honouring. But instead of celebrating with food and eating, splurge on something that will make you feel good.
Click here for some excellent happy-making tricks!
9. Be a savvy shopper!
Become a label officer and pay careful attention to the ingredients’ list vs. the marketing claims. Take note of everything from the fat content, sugar and sodium levels; to the additives, kilojoule count and even allergens present.
Click here to discover the so-called diet foods that actually make you fat.
10. Love yourself
Quit unnecessary self-pity and learn to accept and appreciate your body and appearance. Consider the good you are doing by trying to lose weight and taking your health back and let that encourage you and keep you motivated.
Click here for ways to improve your body image and boost your self-esteem.
Have any more weight loss tips to share? Pop your ideas in the box below!
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