America’s problem with weight is no secret. At least two-thirds of all people in the United States are either overweight or outright obese. When a person weighs more than 20% more than what might be considered to be a normal body weight, they are classified as obese. At the moment, approximately 30% of Americans are obese. This is one of the reasons that there seems to be a new weight loss program come out every season that promises easy weight loss without diet or exercise.
For people who want to lose weight, there is good news out there. Most people realize that fad diets do not work. That latest weight loss program that makes you eat nothing but cranberries for a month is a waste of time as well. You may not be able to lose 20 pounds in a week but you can lose weight and keep it off with a weight loss program that will not feel like torture.
Weight Loss Tips that Work:
- Lose the term “working out.” It is true that burning calories is a great way to lose weight. Most people who have tried to lose any amount of weight know that the key is to burn more calories than you take in. One problem is that this has driven many people to gyms around the nation where they work out once, over do it, injure themselves and never go back, Exercise should not feel like torture. Forget about working out and start having fun. Ride a bike. Take a tennis lesson. Play ultimate frisbee with your friends. Get out and get moving. You will be shocked by how many calories you burn having fun with your friends.
- Get our for a walk. Think you do not have time to get any exercise in? Think again! It is easy to work some walking into your day. Take the stairs and not the elevator. Park farther away from the entry way to the store you are going to. Weight loss experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. You do not have to get it done all at once. Get three short walks of about ten minutes each. Taking an afternoon walk around your office building can break up your day and get you some valuable exercise.
- Drink lots of water. The thirst trigger can be very weak in many people. As such, people think they are hungry when they are really just thirsty. Having a zero or low calorie beverage with you can hydrate you when you need to be hydrated but also give your hands and mouth something to do when you think that you want to eat.
- Eat lower calorie versions of your favorite foods. You do not have to give up your favorite foods to lose weight. You can find ways to make them have less calories. If you like eggplant parmesan, you can make a lower calorie version. Rather than saute the eggplant, roast it with olive oil instead. Sprinkle the eggplant with lower calorie breadcrumbs. These are examples for one recipe but you can apply similar principles to the other foods you love.
- Eat smaller portions. When you go to a restaurant, before you even start eating, get a box. Take half of your entree and put it in the box. This way you will be less likely to eat more than you actually want. This also means your one meal out will give you two actual meals. Another way to do this is to split your meal with a friend so you cannot eat more than you want.
- Keep a food diary. This will help you keep track of how much you are eating and inspire you to eat less.
Weight loss is such a big thing for many Americans that a lot of us seek out help at a medical weight loss center where they will be forced to adhere to a strict weight loss program. While many people who go this route do success initially at losing weight, many need follow up help to keep the weight off. These simple lifestyle changes can help you achieve weight loss for the long term.