Weight Loss: Going Back To The Basics

Weight Loss: Going Back To The Basics

From body wraps and sweat suits to lemon juice detox diets, there are dozens of weight loss trends available today. While some of these techniques may yield results, they are typically few and far between – and weight that you happen to lose on trends such as this typically comes back in the months to follow. If you’re looking to lose weigh – whether it’s 5 pounds of 50 – you should go back to the scientifically proven basics of dieting and exercise.

Lean Meats and Vegetables

You can’t expect to lose weight without adjusting your diet. Far too many people complain about their weight gain but fail to make the necessary changes to their diet.

Hippocrates once said “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food,” which is the equivalent of the more modern adage “You are what you eat.” Diets with a focus on processed foods will only slow down your weight loss efforts, potentially even adding pounds rather than taking them off. See below for some helpful weight loss dieting tips.

Weight Loss Dieting Tips:

• Cut back or eliminate refined sugars from your diet (fruit sugar is okay).
• Limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day.
• Eliminate trans fat from your diet.
• Cut back on saturated fat.
• Consume more monosaturated and polysaturated fats.
• Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks, and instead drink water.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two big meals.
• Avoid the temptation of picking up meals at fast food drive-through locations.
• Keep a diet/nutrition journal, writing down each food and beverage you consume throughout the day.
• Invest in a juicer to up your daily vegetable intake.

Bump Up The Cardio!

Cardiovascular exercise refers to any physical activity that keeps you moving and your heart pumping. While all forms of exercise are helpful in losing weight, cardiovascular exercise is particularly beneficial. Because of its fast-paced nature, you’ll naturally burn more calories performing this type of exercise.

So, what are good some cardio workouts to shed those unwanted pounds? You can always sign up for a kickboxing, aerobics or dance class at your local gym; however, something as simple as running or jogging around your neighborhood is an equally effective cardio exercise to promote weight loss. Some people assume that an expensive gym membership is necessary to receive a good workout, but the truth is that running is one of the best – if not the best – form of cardio on the planet.

Stay Motivated

Did you know that 9 out of 10 who attempt to lose weight fail? This is largely due to a lack of motivation. Without proper motivation guiding you down the right path, it’s easy to fall back into an unhealthy lifestyle.

Let your friends and family members know that you’re trying to lose weight, as this creates a natural support system. They will be there to motivate and encourage you throughout the process, which is more powerful than any modern-day fat diet or weight loss trend.