Don't get me wrong: Losing weight is
not easy. You will never hear me say that it is. It
takes dedication, motivation and hard work.
But there are some fairly simple
changes that will greatly improve your chances of weight loss
success. If you're serious about changing your lifestyle, these
steps will get you there.
The key is to dedicate yourself to these
changes and do them consistently.
No, losing weight isn't a walk in the park.
But by following these steps ... you may find it's a little
easier than you think!
CHANGE ONE: WHAT YOU EAT
First up, let's take a look at some simple ways to make
significant improvements in our diets.
- ELIMINATE RED MEAT
If foods like burgers are basic to your current diet,
cutting out red meat can go a long way in helping you make
healthier meal choices.By building
your meals around fish and poultry, you can more
easily keep temptation at bay by eliminating many poor fast
food and restaurant choices, which are over-sized and high
in fat.
To keep your shellfish, fish, chicken, and
turkey diet-friendly, be sure to choose the right
preparation method (see #2).
Be wary of creamy, high-cal condiments that
come with entrees, like tartar sauce or special sauce on
grilled chicken sandwiches.
- CUT OUT FRIED FOODS
Keep your healthier choices truly healthy by grilling,
baking, roasting, broiling or boiling them.
- Keep things interesting by adding
fat-free condiments to your usual fare. A tangy
barbecue sauce will give boiled chicken a kick.
Lemon-herb dressing will complement broiled fish
deliciously. People love saying salsa and, if you
ask me, it makes just about anything taste even better.
- Make sure your spice rack is always
stocked with plenty of herbs and spices so you
can doctor up your favorite dishes to your own taste
without adding any additional fat or calories. Plant an
herb garden and you'll never run out!
- If you often eat fast food, forget
that combos even exist; they seem like a better deal,
but they're just not worth the extra calories! Stick to
a grilled chicken sandwich and a side salad when
you're on the run.
- START WITH SOUP OR SALAD.
Having a salad or cup of soup for starters can be an
at-home habit that pays off in pounds-lost. They can curb
your hunger, prevent over-eating, and help you stay in
control of portions.
- Choose a broth or tomato-based
soup like minestrone (rather than a cream- or
milk-based choice). Vegetable soup made with broth,
stock, or tomato soup is ideal, because the veggies will
help fill you up and give you a fiber and nutrition
boost.
- Top your salad with low-cal
dressing or balsamic vinegar. An added plus of
having a salad before every meal is getting more fiber,
something we all need plenty of. Be sure to include lots
of veggies and dark mixed greens like spinach in
your salads.
- FINISH WITH FRUIT.
Instead of reaching for the cookie jar or helping yourself
to dessert after meals, make a point to finish off with
naturally-sweet fruit instead of sinfully-sweet treats.
Not only will you save fat and calories,
you will also have the added benefit of extra vitamins,
minerals and fiber. Few of us eat as much fruit as
recommended.
In time, you will become accustomed to
foregoing sweets and you'll look forward to your
healthier treat just as much.
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