Easy Weight Loss Tips

Looking for some quick weight loss tips? Here are some tricks of the trade for losing those unwanted pounds and keeping them off:

• Plan meals and snacks ahead of time. Eating on the go can often lead to high-calorie meals or snacks. Plan ahead with low-calorie options. Sign up for a diet plan which makes it easy by planning the meals for you! This way you don’t need to worry about making those tough decisions alone. If you wait until you are hungry, it’s easier to grab a high-calorie item that you don't really want.
• Eat a light snack before you leave to attend an event where food is served. Don’t arrive there hungry. While you are there, allow yourself to enjoy the foods you like but keep it to only one taste each.
• Drink water in between meals to help prevent you from overeating. If you are considering having a second helping, drink a glass of water and wait a few minutes. This allows your body to sense the feeling of fullness. Often, we take a second helping too quickly and if we wait a few minutes, we realize we feel content.
• Only eat until you are full. There is no need to feel like you have to finish your plate. If you are full, stop eating. Place a napkin over your plate if you feel you need to remove the temptation. If at a restaurant, call the waiter over and ask them to take your plate. You can always take leftovers home for another meal.
• Don’t go shopping for groceries while you’re hungry. You will be more likely to purchase foods you may not normally buy. You may also find yourself nibbling on free samples or spending more money than you wanted to on other goodies. Plan out your grocery list before going to the store or use the grocery list which gives you all the foods you need for the week.
• Don’t eat in front of the TV. This can become habit forming. The next thing you know, you’re eating when you are not even hungry because you are in the habit of doing it. Reserve eating for at the table.
• Eat slowly and savor each bite. Learn to enjoy the tastes and textures of what you are eating. Sit down to eat your meals. This allows you to focus on your food rather than eating while rushing around doing other things. It’s easy to overeat if you do not notice what or how much you are eating.

Research suggests that weight loss at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per week is more effective long term. I’m sure you’d agree that weight loss that is kept off is the better than losing weight and regaining it. If you have questions about what a healthy weight is for you, consult a Registered Dietitian for an individual assessment.