Small Changes To Help You Lose Weight
Are you struggling to lose weight? Here are a few pointers to help to shift those extra pounds.
Have you ever found yourself exercising for several weeks and still not able to lose weight? If so, then you may be sabotaging your lifestyle without even being aware of it.
Following are a few hints of how people manage to add the extra calories to their diet without realizing it.
Carbohydrates
God made complex carbohydrates in the form of fruit and vegetables and I believe that he desires us to eat them — not to put them on the “no carb list.” They are full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber and also phytochemicals that can protect us from many different diseases.
Our brains need carbohydrates to think clearly. It is the simple carbohydrates (cakes, pies, chips, candy bars, doughnuts, etc.) that come in the form of processed foods that tend to make us gain body fat if we eat too much of them.
Grocery store
It is to your advantage to plan your meals in advance and have a written list with you at the grocery store. If you have a lot of activities in the evenings, plan for healthy meals that are fast and healthy snacks that you can grab on the run.
And, of course, never go to the grocery store when you are hungry because you might wind up with a cart full of high fat and high calorie foods.
Sodas
Many people drink a “super-sized” soda, which has about 500 calories, every day. If a person would replace it with water or ice tea, they could lose one pound a week. Sodas not only add unnecessary calories to our diet, but studies show that they take away calcium from our bones and teeth. Also the caffeine in the soda is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. Drink them in moderation.
Water
Experts recommend the minimum amount of water people need to drink each day is 64 ounces. More is recommended if you consume caffeine, exercise or work in hot weather. If your body is not getting this amount of water each day, studies show that your brain can mistake thirst for hunger. You may start reaching for food to satisfy a craving when what your body really wants is water.
Breakfast
Many people try to cut out calories by skipping breakfast. In the long run, this actually slows down your metabolism (the rate that you burn calories). Studies also show that many people who skip breakfast actually end up eating more calories at the end of the day than those who eat three meals a day with several healthy snacks.
If you have ever found yourself not losing a pound or an inch after weeks of exercising, then you might try looking for the hidden ways you are adding extra calories to your diet.
It might be something as simple as skipping breakfast, lack of water, too much soda, not enough complex carbohydrates, or going to the grocery store when you are hungry. Eat smart and train smart and you will be on your way to a healthy weight.