Struggling to lose weight? Most of us have a few extra pounds we'd like to get rid of to look better and feel better. People who are thinner are healthier than those who are overweight. Whether you're just starting a weight loss program, right in the middle, or are struggling to lose those last ten pounds here are a few tips to help.
Eat breakfast.
Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast lose more weight than people who don't, even when the total amount of food eaten during the entire day is the same. The best breakfast is one that combines complex carbohydrates with protein. If you're short on time in the morning and who isn't, toast a whole wheat English muffin and spread with peanut butter. Or have yogurt sprinkled with sliced almonds and blueberries. Don't skip your morning meal.
Have a big healthy lunch and a light supper
Make lunch your big meal and dinner a light supper. You need energy to get you through the busiest part of the day. Load up on leafy greens, fruits, and lean protein. Add some brown rice or whole wheat crackers and you're good to go. Food eaten in the evening just sits in your tummy and makes you feel heavy. As you sleep your system shuts down and it takes longer to digest food. Make it a rule not to eat after 8 PM every evening.
Exercise and boost your metabolism
Exercise before you eat. Exercise boosts your metabolism and decreases your appetite. You don't have to go to the gym. A brisk 20 minute walk will do it. You can exercise inside as well. Try going up and down the stairs, running in place, doing 15 minutes of Pilates or your favorite exercise regime. Take your break at work and use it to stretch. It's better to exercise in the morning or evening rather than evening. The boost in your metabolism will take place while you're still active, so you'll burn more calories. If you wait until evening the boost will still happen but while you're activities have slowed down.
Cut down on stress
Decrease the level of stress in your life. Stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol, which is linked to fat storage. When you feel stressed take a time out to meditate, practice deep breathing or just think about a happy memory.
Don't go hours between eating.
Eat every four hours. That means three meals and two snacks for most of us. Keep the snacks low calorie. The idea is to keep your blood sugar on an even level. You won't be starving and give in to the candy machine. Snacks can be a handful of nuts, a carton of yogurt, or peanut butter and crackers. If you have fruit add a slice of lowfat cheese.
Follow these few tips and they will help you to lose weight fast.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 