To lose weight in a healthy way, you have to eat less.
So does that mean no more between meal snacks?
Actually, you should be enjoying healthy snacks between meals to keep your metabolism going, keep your hunger at bay, and to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Choose snacks that are a mix of protein and carbohydrates, and aren’t high in sugar.
Use portion control. It can be easy to over eat if you aren’t paying close attention to portions.
You can practice better portion control by buying single serving packages or creating your own portions and storing them in plastic containers or plastic bags in the cupboard or refrigerator. Don’t be fooled by a label that reads “reduced fat” and assume you can eat all you want! Reduced fat doesn’t translate into less calories, so read labels carefully. You’ll have an easier time moderating if you don’t eat directly from the package or box.
By preparing portions in advance, you’ll have healthy choices ready at snack time, and you’ll be less likely to over eat.
2. Go With the Grain
You reap wonderful health benefit when you include grains, vegetables, and fruits into your weight loss plan. They provide nutrients that can help reduce disease, and they are high in fiber and low in calories. Fiber helps you to feel full for longer periods of time and can help with your portion control.
3. Eat When You’re Hungry
Sometimes we eat when we’re bored or anxious, or for reasons other than hunger.
Are you listening to your body? Are you eating when you’re hungry, or is it to comfort yourself?
Your weight loss plan should include a food diary or journal. By writing down what you eat throughout the day you’ll be able to make healthier choices, focus on portion control, but you will also be able to determine if your emotional triggers have you turning to food for comfort. If you find that you are using food to placate yourself, make a list of other activities or habits you can instill into your routine.
Have a plan in place so when you feel an emotional trigger you won’t automatically head to the refrigerator. Emotional eating can sabotage your other efforts for healthy weight loss and weight management.
4. Find Your Motivation
Staying motivated in your weight loss journey is a critical factor in your success.
Determine your ideal weight before you begin your weight loss program.
Ask yourself:
Why do I want to lose weight?
Do I want to improve my health?
Do I want to look better, or feel better?
Maybe you have a class reunion looming, or you want to feel more confident during swim suit season. Knowing your true reasons for wanting to lose weight will help.
5. Visualization
Creative visualization is a powerful tool to help you envision the new you. Find images in magazines or on the internet that show healthy bodies participating in fun activities that you would enjoy. Post your images on the refrigerator or in a place you’ll see them often. Don’t focus on past difficulties you have experienced in your weight management. Visualize your improved health and confidence when you reach your weight loss goals. See yourself as the person you want to be, and track your progress in your journal or diary.
Finally, acknowledging your progress and success, and keeping focused on your end result will help you stay on track with your weight loss program.
