Weight Loss
STARTED ON HEALTHY HABITS
Think positive. Believe that you will lose weight. You have
to really want it for it to happen. You must do it for yourself, not for anyone
else, Think about yourself, your physical and mental well-being. Imaging a
slimmer, fitter you; it always works. Take some pictures of yourself and put
them up around the house. Put one on the refrigerator door, it will serve as a
constant reminder and will strengthen your resolve to lose weight. Looking at
the picture every once in a while during the course of your programme will
inspire you to continue. You could also put signs of encouragement around the
refrigerator door. Signs like "how about a glass of water?" or,
"Am I really hungry?" or "Nothing tastes as good as being slim
feels."
Close your eyes and imaging yourself, the way you want to
look. Do this as often as possible, self-visualisation is a very powerful tool.
Give it a try, everything is worth a try. Imaging yourself getting around
without getting out of breath, no more tired muscles, no more indigestion.
People smiling at you, for the way you look, as you walk by. Treat yourself
every once in a while. Put a little money away every time you resist a food
craving and then go and splurge on something that will make you feel special,
like a new outfit or make-up. Remember, you are losing weight for more than
just your appearance. You are losing it for the experiences that will come
after you have achieved your goal. Always stay focused on why you are doing it.
The beauty of the whole experience is that you will never know how good it
feels until you get there.
Hints for recording weight
Always use the same weighing scale so you get an accurate
measure of your progress.
Make sure you weigh yourself before eating and after going
to the bathroom.
The First thing to do in the morning is to weigh yourself.
Water retention is a common problem for women before their
periods, so don't get discouraged if you tend to lose less weight during that
time of the month. It is only temporary.
Weight loss: FAQ'S
1) Is how you eat food important?
Yes, learn the art of satisfying your taste buds slowly. Eat
food in a relaxed manner and chew well, so that you enjoy each bite.
2) Why is it important to eat low fat foods?
A low fat diet is crucial to losing weight. Fat contains
more than twice the calories of protein and carbohydrates. Choose lean meats
and low fat dairy products. Did you know? Skim milk gets 5 percent of its
calories from fat, while whole milk gets 51 percent from fat. Use oils and
spreads sparingly. Be aware of hidden fats in foods such as bakery products,
crackers, nuts and salad dressings. Learn to modify recipes and use
substitutions to lower the fat content.
3) Does eating out mean putting on weight?
Not necessarily. Fill your plate just once making smart,
light and healthy choices. Or order a la carte. This way you avoid the
temptation to over eat. Do not cover your plate with gravies, creamy sauces or
dressings. They are laden with high fat. Instead, order sauces and dressings on
the side and go easy on them.
4) Is it possible to plan for hunger pangs?
Yes. You need to plan ahead. You cannot predict hunger pangs
so always make sure you have a healthy snack accessible. Keep some ready-to-eat
foods such fruits, sprouts, a veggie wrap or roasted savouries, always handy.
5) Is exercise necessary if one follows a diet plan?
Absolutely. Exercise burns calories, boosts the metabolic
rate and helps you shape up.
