Dropping a few unwanted pounds is really a matter of common sense. For example, you can't eat 1/2 of a grapefruit and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, then reward yourself with a greasy, fast-food burger for lunch. Sorry, but the breakfast doesn't cancel out the burger. Healthier living is a mindset. So if losing a little flab is high on the list, consider these 10 common-sense approaches:
1. Avoid processed foods like the plague. Fast food is a killer -- literally. So are things like cakes, ice creams, sodas, and candies. These foods often contain hidden fat and sugar.
2. Get off the sofa. The more idle you are, the more apt you are to convert those empty calories to fat. Even if your health prohibits anything too strenuous, a leisurely walk around the block will help. I'd ask my doctor first, though; especially if you have any concerns.
3. Know your fat-to-carb ratio. It's not necessarily just fats or just carbs that lead to weight gain. It's a combination of both. Obviously, if the intake of both is high, you'll gain weight. Figure out what's best for you. I'm not saying to eliminate both completely, as that's not good either, but begin to slowly scale back on one or the other until you start to see the results you want.
4. Cut out the fat. Read the labels. If you're a meat-eater, choose low-fat varieties of fish, skinless chicken, reduced-fat ground turkey, etc. When I cook chicken, I use my kitchen shears and cut off all visible fat. A pain in the neck? Yes. But my health is worth the effort.
5. Scale back on the sweets. As I said earlier, a piece of cake or pie every so often certainly won't do major damage. But if you have a sweet tooth, you have to discipline yourself to limit how much sugar you're ingesting.
6. Don't overdo the booze. If you drink too much, it changes to fat. Bottom line.
7. Don't starve yourself during the day. Don't think that not eating will give you free reign at dinner. Not a good idea. If you do this, you'll tend to eat more. Keep yourself satisfied during the day by eating several small meals, but make sure they contain lots of fruits and vegetables.
8. If you don't currently have a hobby, get one. People who are bored tend to fill their time picking here and there. The less idle time you have, the less inclined you'll be to eat.
9. Switch to healthy foods. Eat raw fruits and vegetables as often as possible. Avoid fried and processed foods. Natural foods will provide you with the fat-burning qualities you need.
10. Be disciplined enough to push yourself away from the table. If you begin to eat a lower-fat diet, you'll find that you'll be less satisfied because you're not ingesting as many of the things that made you full before. If you have to snack periodically, choose foods that are lower in fat and/or carbs.
Just remember not to make any drastic changes at first. Ease into things slowly and see what works best for you. Soon you'll discover that low fat does not have to equate to low taste.
1. Avoid processed foods like the plague. Fast food is a killer -- literally. So are things like cakes, ice creams, sodas, and candies. These foods often contain hidden fat and sugar.
2. Get off the sofa. The more idle you are, the more apt you are to convert those empty calories to fat. Even if your health prohibits anything too strenuous, a leisurely walk around the block will help. I'd ask my doctor first, though; especially if you have any concerns.
3. Know your fat-to-carb ratio. It's not necessarily just fats or just carbs that lead to weight gain. It's a combination of both. Obviously, if the intake of both is high, you'll gain weight. Figure out what's best for you. I'm not saying to eliminate both completely, as that's not good either, but begin to slowly scale back on one or the other until you start to see the results you want.
4. Cut out the fat. Read the labels. If you're a meat-eater, choose low-fat varieties of fish, skinless chicken, reduced-fat ground turkey, etc. When I cook chicken, I use my kitchen shears and cut off all visible fat. A pain in the neck? Yes. But my health is worth the effort.
5. Scale back on the sweets. As I said earlier, a piece of cake or pie every so often certainly won't do major damage. But if you have a sweet tooth, you have to discipline yourself to limit how much sugar you're ingesting.
6. Don't overdo the booze. If you drink too much, it changes to fat. Bottom line.
7. Don't starve yourself during the day. Don't think that not eating will give you free reign at dinner. Not a good idea. If you do this, you'll tend to eat more. Keep yourself satisfied during the day by eating several small meals, but make sure they contain lots of fruits and vegetables.
8. If you don't currently have a hobby, get one. People who are bored tend to fill their time picking here and there. The less idle time you have, the less inclined you'll be to eat.
9. Switch to healthy foods. Eat raw fruits and vegetables as often as possible. Avoid fried and processed foods. Natural foods will provide you with the fat-burning qualities you need.
10. Be disciplined enough to push yourself away from the table. If you begin to eat a lower-fat diet, you'll find that you'll be less satisfied because you're not ingesting as many of the things that made you full before. If you have to snack periodically, choose foods that are lower in fat and/or carbs.
Just remember not to make any drastic changes at first. Ease into things slowly and see what works best for you. Soon you'll discover that low fat does not have to equate to low taste.
About the Author:
Mr. Wellingham owns and operates his own low fat recipe site. Visit today and enjoy the many reduced fat recipes available at absolutely no charge. You can even submit your own favorite recipe. While there, take a look at the many health and wellnesson file.
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