If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, chances are that you’ve tried a fad diet at some point. And you’ve also probably noticed that these types of diets may provide short term and unsustainable results. If your goal is to lose weight and keep it off, rollercoaster dieting is not the way to do it. Constantly losing and regaining weight is not only unhealthy, but can be frustrating as well. Regardless of what the latest fad says, remember that there are only a few key things to remember about weight loss: portion control, cutting out unnecessary sugars and fats, and adding in a small amount of exercise each day.
Consider these tips to lose weight the healthy way without relying on the next fad:
1. Eat your veggies.
Mom was right – eating your veggies is key to a healthy lifestyle. Packed with essential vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients, adding more vegetables to your diet can go a long way in helping you achieve your weight loss goals. However, some vegetables are better for weight loss than others, with corn, peas, and potatoes at the bottom of the list for effectiveness. Try leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower instead.
Research has shown that when people are served more food, they consume more calories. It seems obvious, but determining to stop eating when you feel “full” with a larger portion isn’t an effective policy. As a general guideline, a balanced meal should include a plate half-filled with vegetables, one quarter filled with whole grains, and one quarter with a protein.
3. Drink more water.
Children and adults who drink a lot of sugary drinks, like soda pop and even fruit juice, are more than 50 percent more likely to be overweight. Bodies do not need all of this extra sugar, especially when those extra calories are not being burned through exercise. Instead, reach for a water when you get thirsty. Unsweetened iced or hot green tea is another great option for dieters, as the active compounds in the tea can boost the effect of fat burning hormones.
4. Resist temptation.
It seems that any store you visit has some kind of snack or candy display next to the register. These impulse items can actually trick people into thinking they are hungry when they really are not. Don’t allow this to sabotage your willpower! Travel with a shopping list when buying food and take your own healthy snacks with you to places selling fast food and unhealthy snacks.
5. Plan your meals.
Meal planning is a very important and effective way to take control of your diet. A little preparation work goes a long way in making sure you have healthy snacks handy and ingredients for meals set up and ready to cook. When you have a plan in place, you will be less likely to indulge in unhealthful “convenience” foods like frozen meals or sodium-filled canned soups. By making these changes and adding at least 20-30 minutes of exercise per day, you can enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle with a greater chance of keeping the weight off – for good!
At Diamond Physicians, we care about your health and helping you achieve your weight loss goals. We invite you to speak with one of our Dallas doctors about our healthcare plans by calling (214) 382-0730.