The Finer Points of Dieting

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The Finer Points of Dieting

Posted On : Aug-22-2011 | seen (400) times | Article Word Count : 732 |

Weight loss doesn’t always occur following monumental, lifestyle-changing decisions. Instead, it sometimes happens in the fine print.

Weight loss doesn’t always occur following monumental, lifestyle-changing decisions. Instead, it sometimes happens in the fine print.
One problem is that weight loss is often temporary, and it’s followed by a slow but steady regaining of pounds. Few people stick to weight-loss plans. It’s easy to see why, as many make you hungry because they aren’t well balanced. People set themselves up for unrealistic expectations. You need strategies to maintain the weight loss.
And that’s where this article could come in handy. There are many finer points of dieting that could greatly increase your odds of achieving successful weight loss. It’s not one single thing that determines your success. It’s the cumulative effects of many small things.
Here is a checklist for such things:
Weight-loss Checklist
‪ Count Calories
The basis for weight loss is to burn off more calories than you take in. So exercise is one part of that equation; paying attention to calories is the other. It doesn’t mean obsessively checking every label — just learn the actual calorie count of the things that you eat and drink a lot of. That piece of chicken, can of soda, cookie after dinner — things like that. Women need to aim for 1,200 to 1,600 calories, and men for 1,800 to 2,200 calories.
‪ Don’t Skip Breakfast
You can keep your weight in check better when eating breakfast. Your metabolism is awoken from the night, and studies show that people take in fewer calories during the day. You will be less likely to overeat at lunch and dinner. Even if you’re not hungry, have a small yogurt or a grapefruit — anything is better than nothing.
‪ Focus on Water
Every drink has calories floating in it — except water. Drinking a lot of soda or fruit juice each day adds up. If you’re thirsty, reach for water. Get in the habit of drinking water. It also helps the digestive process.
‪ Snack
Seriously. Your metabolism is better off having small snacks every three or four hours. It keeps your blood sugar stable and your appetite down. Some raw vegetables with hummus, a yogurt, a smoothie, fruit and nuts all make healthy snacks. Note: don’t snack after dinner.
‪ Avoid Temptation
There is only one way to do this: keep certain foods out of your home and workplace. Dieters who are successful say that they keep healthy foods in their kitchens and avoid cookies, ice cream and chips. You’ll be surprised at how cravings die down when the food’s availability is gone. You will also be far more likely to let that craving pass.
‪ Eat Slowly
Plowing through meals means that you are more likely to overeat. Make sure that you chew each bite thoroughly, as your saliva will start the digestive process. Distractions such as television or a newspaper may make you forget the chewing and eating slowly bit.
‪ Make Small Goals
Avoid any overarching, long-term goals. Just take weight loss a day at a time, week by week, month by month. Sure, your goal is losing 30 pounds, but don’t focus on it. Focus on the here and now. Small goals are attainable and will keep you motivated. Daily goals could challenge you to drink more water, exercise daily and get more fruit in your diet.
‪ Allow the Occasional Slip
Trying to completely avoid so-called “forbidden” foods will make cravings grow, not subside. So, every so often, maybe once a week (set a goal), allow yourself a slice of cake or a small bag of chips, or that chocolate bar. This will help avoid binging one night when you’re stressed out, ruining an entire week of counting calories.
‪ Pre-plan Meals
It can be a pain, but it will avoid a sudden ordering of pizza or munching on snacks. Plan dinners and lunches, and shop for groceries at the beginning of the week. Do big meals on Sunday so you can keep leftovers for lunches or, perhaps, a second dinner on Monday.
‪ Write It Down
The last food-related weight-loss step is to keep a diary of what you’ve eaten. Studies show that people who do so shed more pounds and keep them off over the long term. Try documenting what you eat and how much you eat. Pick a week or two to do this. It will help you see what you’re really eating and what could be shaved off to help with weight loss.

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<h1>The Finer Points of Dieting</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_doctorshealthpress.aspx'>doctorshealthpress</a> Weight loss doesn’t always occur following monumental, lifestyle-changing decisions. Instead, it sometimes happens in the fine print.
One problem is that weight loss is often temporary, and it’s followed by a slow but steady regaining of pounds. Few people stick to weight-loss plans. It’s easy to see why, as many make you hungry because they aren’t well balanced. People set themselves up for unrealistic expectations. You need strategies to maintain the weight loss.
And that’s where this article could come in handy. There are many finer points of dieting that could greatly increase your odds of achieving successful weight loss. It’s not one single thing that determines your success. It’s the cumulative effects of many small things.
Here is a checklist for such things:
Weight-loss Checklist
‪	Count Calories
The basis for weight loss is to burn off more calories than you take in. So exercise is one part of that equation; paying attention to calories is the other. It doesn’t mean obsessively checking every label — just learn the actual calorie count of the things that you eat and drink a lot of. That piece of chicken, can of soda, cookie after dinner — things like that. Women need to aim for 1,200 to 1,600 calories, and men for 1,800 to 2,200 calories.
‪	Don’t Skip Breakfast
You can keep your weight in check better when eating breakfast. Your metabolism is awoken from the night, and studies show that people take in fewer calories during the day. You will be less likely to overeat at lunch and dinner. Even if you’re not hungry, have a small yogurt or a grapefruit — anything is better than nothing.
‪	Focus on Water
Every drink has calories floating in it — except water. Drinking a lot of soda or fruit juice each day adds up. If you’re thirsty, reach for water. Get in the habit of drinking water. It also helps the digestive process.
‪	Snack
Seriously. Your metabolism is better off having small snacks every three or four hours. It keeps your blood sugar stable and your appetite down. Some raw vegetables with hummus, a yogurt, a smoothie, fruit and nuts all make healthy snacks. Note: don’t snack after dinner.
‪	Avoid Temptation
There is only one way to do this: keep certain foods out of your home and workplace. Dieters who are successful say that they keep healthy foods in their kitchens and avoid cookies, ice cream and chips. You’ll be surprised at how cravings die down when the food’s availability is gone. You will also be far more likely to let that craving pass.
‪	Eat Slowly
Plowing through meals means that you are more likely to overeat. Make sure that you chew each bite thoroughly, as your saliva will start the digestive process. Distractions such as television or a newspaper may make you forget the chewing and eating slowly bit.
‪	Make Small Goals
Avoid any overarching, long-term goals. Just take weight loss a day at a time, week by week, month by month. Sure, your goal is losing 30 pounds, but don’t focus on it. Focus on the here and now. Small goals are attainable and will keep you motivated. Daily goals could challenge you to drink more water, exercise daily and get more fruit in your diet.
‪	Allow the Occasional Slip
Trying to completely avoid so-called “forbidden” foods will make cravings grow, not subside. So, every so often, maybe once a week (set a goal), allow yourself a slice of cake or a small bag of chips, or that chocolate bar. This will help avoid binging one night when you’re stressed out, ruining an entire week of counting calories.
‪	Pre-plan Meals
It can be a pain, but it will avoid a sudden ordering of pizza or munching on snacks. Plan dinners and lunches, and shop for groceries at the beginning of the week. Do big meals on Sunday so you can keep leftovers for lunches or, perhaps, a second dinner on Monday.
‪	Write It Down
The last food-related weight-loss step is to keep a diary of what you’ve eaten. Studies show that people who do so shed more pounds and keep them off over the long term. Try documenting what you eat and how much you eat. Pick a week or two to do this. It will help you see what you’re really eating and what could be shaved off to help with weight loss.About the Author: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/subscribe/bb/index.php?sb=ewseh1&affid=wd147&subid=lc1">SIGN UP FOR THE DOCTORS HEALTH PRESS E-BULLETIN AND RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF TOP 12 BRAIN BOOSTING SUPER FOODS!</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The-Finer-Points-of-Dieting_75446.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The Finer Points of Dieting_75446.aspx</a>

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