A healthy breakfast will give you energy, and it may prevent you from gorging mid-morning. Whether you choose a hearty bowl of low-fat oatmeal with whole-grain toast, an egg-white and spinach omelet, or fruit with low-fat yogurt, a smart breakfast will keep you satisfied throughout the morning. In addition, you might want to consider making breakfast your main meal of the day. This may mean going lighter at dinnertime. If dinner is your biggest meal, you may not have time to burn off the calories. A hearty and healthy morning meal will allow you plenty of time to work it off before bedtime, so don’t skimp on breakfast.
2. Don’t Eliminate Your Favorite Foods
A successful weight loss program is not about cutting out your favorite fattening foods completely from your diet. If you banish your favorite foods forever, you may set yourself up for failure. You can find ways to enjoy your favorites simply by modifying the way you prepare them or by being smart about your selection.
Do you love ice cream? For an occasional treat, switch to a low-fat variety or frozen yogurt. Is pizza what you crave? By opting for the thin crust variety, you’ll cut the calories and the carbs. Also, avoid the high-fat meat lover’s choice and opt for an all veggie selection.
The key to weight loss is not to deprive yourself. Treat yourself to your favorite meal or dessert once in a while, but consider smart options, such as those above.
3. Don’t Get Dehydrated
Did you know that keeping your body well-hydrated my help you lose weight? If you drink a glass of water before your meal, it may help fill you up and decrease your appetite, thus prevent you from overeating. The same holds true for a bowl of chicken broth or other soup.
You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydrated. Those hunger pangs that make you reach for that midday snack may actually be your thirsty body requiring more water. So, drink up and you may be surprised to see those pounds melt away faster.
4. Don’t Burn the Midnight Oil Instead of Calories
Did you know that sleep deprivation may prevent you from losing weight? Sleep-deprived individuals produce more stress hormones, and this may contribute to an increase in appetite, according to some experts.
According to studies, lack of sleep may contribute to weight gain. If you find yourself burning the midnight oil or staying awake stressing about work, you could be sabotaging your weight loss plans.
Consider your daily habits and how you might alter them to help you on the road to weight loss success. Enlist the help and advice of your weight loss management clinic and physician. Establish a customized plan and stick to the positive habits that will help you succeed.