Weight Loss Tips - The Top 10 Posted by Unknown on 10:36 PM No comments

Losing weight and keeping it off isn't difficult - all you need is a few changes and the motivation to get you started. Not sure where to begin? Have a look at these great tips for easy weight loss...
1) Keep a Food and Exercise Diary
This is a great way of keeping track of your foods, drinks and how much you have worked out over a week. Be honest with yourself and write down everything - even if you have a bad day.
2) Exercise to Maintain Weight Loss
Exercise helps you burn fat and calories and also helps boost your metabolic rate, even when you're resting so try to work your way up to doing a 30 minute workout 5 days a week.
3) Measure Food Amounts at Home
Weigh out foods and don't eat too much of the 'wrong' thing. For example if a recipe tells you to use 2tbsp dressing, don't go over this as a few more excess measurements all adds up to excess calories.
4) Still Eat Foods you Like
Have a rare treat so that you don't feel too deprived - just don't let a small treat turn into a big binge of crisps, chocolate, alcohol and fast food - you'll destroy all the hard work you've put in!
5) Think Long Term - Not Short Term
Losing weight fast is what everyone wants, but losing weight slowly actually allows your body to adjust and keep weight off for longer. Set goals for losing weight but think of it as a long term venture.
6) Savour Your Food
When you eat - enjoy it! Chew and enjoy the textures and flavours of your food - this will keep you fuller for longer and will reduce the likelihood of you reaching for the unhealthy snacks later.
7) Increase Workout Intensity
As a beginner you may be able to manage short workouts 2-3 times a week. Find the time to exercise and gradually increase your workout program to help you keep the weight off.
8) Keep Motivated
Buy yourself treats such as new clothes to celebrate your weight loss, work towards your goals such as having energy to play in the garden with your children - anything that keeps you motivated.
9) Weigh Yourself Once a Week
Weighing yourself everyday is a bad idea - weight fluctuates when muscle mass etc is varying. Have a weekly weigh in (i.e. on Monday morning before breakfast) and use it as motivation for the next week's weight loss.
10) Enjoy Your Workout!
Performing the same workout day after day means that your body gets used to it, therefore making it less effective each time you do it. Varying your workout keeps it exciting and if you're enjoying it, you're more likely to put more effort in. Go cycling, swim, do dance classes, play football in the park, go jogging and mix up your workout regime and your body will continue to burn fat.
Try out these 10 simple tips and you'll not only be able to lose weight but also keep it off!

By Gary Abernathy

Read More »

Natural Ways To Lose Weight And Stay Healthy Posted by Unknown on 10:30 PM No comments

In most things, the natural way is the best way. Whether it's skin and hair care, healthy eating, treatment for common minor ailments or weight loss, if you can do it naturally, you will save money and you could even prolong your life. And when it comes to weight loss, there are so many natural ways you can shed those pounds, there is no need to go in for costly diet plans, meal replacements or any of the other paraphernalia that surrounds the weight loss industry. Here's how to lose weight naturally and stay healthy for longer.
Walk or swim
Walking and swimming are the two most natural forms of exercise, because all you need is your body. You certainly don't need special equipment or weight loss supplements to lose weight by exercising. Everyone does some walking every day, and if you can manage more than 30 minutes of activity each day, you will lose at least some of your excess weight. Build it up to 45 minutes a day and you'll lose steadily, week on week.
Smaller plates for smaller people!
A simple and natural step like using a smaller plate can also help you to lose weight. People tend to clear all the food on the plate, and a lot of people struggle with portion control, so switching to a smaller plate for your main meals can be a big help in your natural weight loss campaign. Try the same strategy with glasses when the drinks are high in calories. A small plate or glass is going to appear well filled, so your serving will seem larger and you won't feel deprived.
Avoid processed foods
If you can't tell what the food is by looking at it, it may be best to avoid it. Processed foods often contain hidden extras such as fat and sugar, which may make ready meals look more appetising and stay fresh for longer, but that doesn't do your figure any favours. Another plus with buying fresh meat instead of a ready made casserole or curry is that you can see excess fat and cut it off before you cook, whereas the convenience meal is likely to contain extra fat to improve the texture and flavour.
Water as a weight watching aid
Water has to be the best natural ingredient there is, and it's so versatile too. Water is essential for keeping the skin looking plumped out and young, and it's also a great natural appetite suppressant. Next time you feel hungry, try the water distraction technique. Drink a large glass of water, then occupy yourself with something interesting for at least 10 minutes. Chances are by the end of that time, you'll have forgotten you were hungry. Water also helps boost the metabolism and flush waste products out of the body, so the more water you drink, the healthier you will be.
Fill yourself with fibre and protein
High fibre and high protein foods take longer to digest, and therefore they preserve that full feeling for longer. And protein is necessary for the repair and renewal of the body's cells, so it's a healthy way to eat. Choose lean, low fat protein such as poultry, fish and eggs, go for whole wheat products wherever possible, and include plenty of vegetables, whole grains, beans and pulses in your diet. You will feel fuller for longer, and lose your excess weight.
Doing what comes naturally is a great way to lose weight and stay healthy. Forget about fad diets, meal replacement and extreme exercise regimes. Take small, natural steps towards a slimmer, healthier you. You'll be so pleased you did!

By Deborah Baker

Read More »