| Weight Loss Plans |
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Whether you're looking to drop pounds for an event or just to feel better, it is crucial to arm yourself with a weight loss plan. A few tried-and-true rules for developing a weight loss plan are as follows: Dont drink your calories. It may be clich, but its true: get those eight glasses of water. If you have a water-filter pitcher, fill it up in the morning and try to have it drained by the end of the day. The Nutrition Facts panel is your friend. Take the time to check more than calorie content. Check for positives like vitamins and protein (which will help you actually feel full). Watch out for high sodium and preservatives, they may cause you to swell due to water retention. Soup is also your friend. Even the heartier varieties are relatively light (especially if they are tomato based) and more satisfying than a diet shake or a handful of rice cakes. Dont skip meals. Ive learned the hard way that denying yourself just makes it easier to binge later. Also, even though it can be monotonous, try to find some healthy meal plans and keep repeating them. If you get bored with what youre eating, youre more likely to take smaller portions; and while your stomach technically doesnt shrink, it can eventually learn to crave less. Unlike diet, Ive found that its easier to stick to an exercise plan that incorporates a lot of variety. All weight loss plans involve cardio to burn fat and calories. You don't necessarily need a gym membership, although it helps to incorporate a social element into your exercise routine. A support system definitely makes it easier to stick to your plan, whether it's through a gym membership, a group plan like Weight Watchers, or a jogging partner. Don't pick a workout just for promised results; find an activity you like and stick with it, whether it's spinning, swimming or just walking to the end of your neighborhood. Don't burn yourself out either. You should end an exercise session feeling like you could have done a litte bit more, and gradually do a little more each time. Also, combine the cardio with weights or a toning workout like yoga a couple times a week. It may not seem like you're losing weight when you build muscle, but the more toned your body is, the more energy and endurance you'll have for cardio. It may take some trial and error to find a weight loss plan that works for you; the key is to develop a plan that you personally can commit to long-term. No plan is going to produce instant results, at least not one that benefits in the long run. |
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