Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Losing weight is something that many people do not like to share with others because of the embarrassment of the way we look. A qualified physician can give you helpful tips and good advice about eating well and exercising regularly.
lose weight
When you are planning out your meals and snacks, opt for fruit and veggie snacks rather than a diet shake or a weight loss bar. Shakes and diet bars are very calorie dense and do not satisfy hunger for long. They are a poor substitute for a real meal and may leave you looking for something else to eat. A lot of these products also contain a lot of sugar, which can increase blood sugar.

Fad diets look like a great idea. But if you want to lose pounds the right way, you should avoid these types of diets. Fad diets often encourage you to survive on a single food or food group, for example, cottage cheese or vegetables. While the idea may seem novel at first, it will rapidly grow tedious. They also have the disadvantage of not really teaching you healthy eating patterns that can become life long habits. It's best to choose a diet that teaches you how to make the healthiest choices.

One great way to lose weight is to eat a little slower. As you consume your meal, you will begin feeling full while the food starts to digest. Your body needs time to let your mind know you are full. Set down your eating utensils and enjoy the food more. You will eventually feel full.

Find a friend with whom you can exercise. When you have a friend with you, you will feel as if you are socializing instead of losing weight. You and your companion can motivate each other while you workout. It is a great way to connect with your friends and you will start to really enjoy exercising as you shed those pounds.

Your weekly weight loss goal should be about one pound a week. It can be unhealthy to lose more weight than that a week. Dropping weight any faster can put your health at risk, and it makes you more likely to put the weight back on.

A lot of newer diets revolve around the total elimination of carbs. This is a dreadful idea, nutritionally speaking. Carbs are needed for proper functioning, especially for athletes. They give energy so don't cut back on carbs if you are active.

Cooking large meals and breaking them down into smaller portions is a great way to prepare your food for the week ahead. A freezer loaded with good food will help you avoid eating unhealthy take out. Cooking in bulk also saves you money, since you can purchase fresh ingredients and use them immediately. This prevents rotting in your produce drawer.

Keep a food journal to help you find how to cut calories from you diet. Whenever you eat, record the time, how you feel and the food you ate. This lets you know exactly what you eat each day and maybe give you the reasons why you are eating.

Since you are now armed with knowledge about losing weight, you should feel confident about starting your plan to get the body you want. Just imagine how good it will feel to slip into your old jeans! Start applying the tips you've read now, and start working toward a fitter, healthier body!