Contrary to popular belief, there is no real science behind weight loss. It is not driven by strict, monitored diets which allow only three pieces of lettuce a day along with two glasses of water. It does not even rest on special exercises that twist and contort the body in various ways. In fact ‘fitness gadgets’ are also not the key to achieve what you desire. Medicines, pills, and a variety of supplements may promise the world, but the truth lies in the fact that weight loss is controlled by you.
It starts with sensible goals, and expectations. If a person sets sensible goals for them self, for example eight percent of their present body weight, the chances are that these objectives are more likely to be met. Not just met, but retained as well. Losing even ten percent of their present weight can improve a person’s health.
To start with, an overweight person should lose weight gradually. A sudden drop in weight can have its adverse effects as well. About two pounds a week is advised.
A realistic approach to losing weight and keeping it off is described below;
Consult your doctor first. Make sure that your health is adequate enough to allow yourself to reduce calorie intake by a small amount, and increase physical activity a little.
Without changing your diet, keep a diary with yourself (or you could key it into the notes section of your cell phone) and detail everything you eat in the day.
You will realise for yourself that there are a number of items that are completely unnecessary that you eat for the sake of it, or convenience of it, rather than because you want/ have to.
Start taking the stairs more often, and leave the elevator for when you are really tired. Use your ‘breaks’ to go for a brisk walk in stead of grabbing a snack. Park your car at the far end of the lot.
Eat larger meals earlier in the day, and smaller ones towards the end. This is because at night, when people sleep, nothing is done to the calories they have just consumed. During the day, constant activity does burn most of the calories consumed.
Following these simple steps will ensure the initial stages of losing weight. None of these demand any extreme shifts in a persons’ daily schedule.
