Why make Fitness a New Years Resolution this year!? … Read More

Whoooooo it’s New Year’s time again, and I … Read More

Sure we love the idea of portion-controlled snack … … Read More

The challenge to lose weight is too general and broad a goal.

There’s no definite goal-setting (how much weight?), no methods (how to do it?), and no deadline (by the summer? by 2011?) in this objective.

For the same reason, many people do make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, but eventually fail.

However, with the following few simple tips and a true New Year approach you can succeed

Educate

According to several smart weight loss experts, dieticians and even doctors, “losing weight is 90% mental”. Some even say “The phenomenon of successful weight loss begins in the brain”.

If this is true, then the resolution has to start in the mind before it can succeed with the body and knowledge is the key here. It is also important to evaluate your reasons for losing weight before you actually start.

Ask yourself;

• Do you want to be healthy?
• Do you want to look good?
• Do you want to be able to walk, run, ski, bike, hike and/or skate?
• Do you want to get off your BP, diabetes?
• Do you want to sleep better?
• And, above all, do you want to feel good about yourself?

Once you set your reasons and goals to lose weight, make a plan. What changes do you have to make to achieve your goal?

Keep a journal or calendar to track foods eaten, exercises done, thoughts and feelings, and weekly weights. Tracking gradual progress is another visual reminder of the path. It’s harder to quit once all that work is in black and white.

Create a timeline. How long will you give yourself? Success will take time and patience is necessary. To keep on point, mark dates on the calendar for the smaller goals. Check off days that you exercise and use other visual reminders that are helpful. To stay motivated, be accountable.

Eat right

According to proven weight loss advice, habits are hard to change. Eating habits are particularly hard because you have to make choices everyday and several times a day, at that.

Read and learn about what to eat, when to eat, how to eat and how much to eat. Think about the healthy habits that need to be used – low-fat? High-fiber, high protein?

All of these are essential for fast and successful weight loss. Drink plenty of water. Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Don’t skip meals, especially the breakfast. Eat less but frequently.

Exercise

Then set out a weight loss exercise plan that’s manageable and appropriate, so success is possible.

Concentrate on exercise you enjoy and will stick to. Walking is the best exercise for a bazillion reasons and the two most important are no impact on your joints, and skeleton, plus the stimulation of getting out, looking at stuff and interacting with the world around you.

Rain, snow, cold? Buy a big coat and nice boots, or go to a mall with walking shoes. Do it.

At the same time, if you are one of those people who don’t like the thought of exerting themselves, then don’t worry, yoga, hypnosis and meditation, all make excellent alternatives for weight loss.

Sign up for a yoga class or learn and practice hypnosis or meditation. Stick to it and steadily take off pounds, tone your muscles, tune up your mind and gain fabulous flexibility that makes you look great.

Entertain

Even those who hate exercising can find an activity they’ll enjoy. Get friends together for a game of basketball or a relaxing hike. Enroll in a new style of dance class that sounds interesting. Load up an iPod with fun, energizing music and go for a run. Have a buddy. Ask a trusted friend to check on progress.

Knowing someone is monitoring your successes and failures is an incredible motivator. Plus, they’ll be a cheerleader and maybe a participant!

Forget losing weight fast from an unfit body. Lose weight by gaining health, starting in 2010, and be well forever.

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Well, here we are at the start of a new year.

For most of us this means making some changes to our exercise routines and eating habits.

Speaking of eating habits, I’m sure we could all use some help when it comes to eating right and making healthier choices when it comes to the food we eat. I know for me, my weakness is sugar. Sure I have incredible will power when it comes to sweets and deserts. Unfortunately, I love to drink soda and all kinds of sugary beverages.

I’m sure you have a weakness too when it comes to fighting off those unwanted pounds. Some people go cold turkey when it comes to fighting temptation. They say no to candy, salt, fast food, and unhealthy snacks.

For others, going cold turkey only leads to failure. Fortunately, in this post we will show you how you can still have some of the foods you love and crave the most and still get rid of excess weight and look great.

For the steak & potato lover

I don’t know about you but I’m a steak and potatoes kind of guy. However, when it comes to losing weight it is very important to count your calories. Now depending on how you prepare your food you can still have your steak and eat it too.

• Try buying lean cuts of red meat. Your choices may include top round, London broil, and sirloin which average about 240 calories per 3 ounce serving.
• Beware of the fattier steaks such as T-bone, prime rib, and filet mignon which can average about 340 calories per 3 ounce serving.
• Grill or sauté your steaks in olive oil spray. Butter can add more calories to your food than you need.
• Pork tenderloin and tuna steak are great substitutes for those who avoid red meat.
• Sweet potatoes and whole grain rice or pasta make a great side dish. They have the same starchy texture as potatoes but give you the added fiber your body needs.

Fast Food Fanatics

Fast food is great because it’s convenient for those of us on the go and tastes great. Just make sure that you are making the right choices when ordering.

• Most fast food places offer grilled chicken sandwiches and fresh tossed salads. These are the healthiest choices.
• If fried chicken you crave, try picking off the breading. You can strip away the calories while keeping the same.
• Next time stop at the sub shops and order a sandwich, just go easy on the mayo!

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