In this day and age, it is important to be at a safe weight. Studies have shown that the more you weigh, the more health problems you will have. These health problems can be diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. This is why my pediatrician keeps telling me to watch my children’s weight.
These are steps to get you in the right direction. (Please always consult a doctor before you start any type of dieting.)
1. Do a cleanse.
I was so afraid of cleanses because I did not know what the products are. However, a trip to my local health food store gave me tons of knowledge on what I needed to do. There are a whole lot of cleanses out there, however, choose one that fits your needs. What a cleanse does, is it gets rid of the unhealthy toxins in your body. These toxins tend to weigh you down and could prevent you from seeing any results from your diet.
Take this quiz to see if a cleanse is right for you (here).
2. Cut out the Carbs and the Fat.
I know it’s easier said than done. I love my carbs but it does pack on the pounds. Common carbs: pasta, rice, bread, sugar, and any thing made with flour. Also fatty foods such as chips, snacks, greasy and fried foods are not good food consumption. One more thing you need to watch – Dairy. That’s right, cheese, sauces and milk are heavy with fat.
Replace carbs with other delicious foods.
Example meals – Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Baked Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze, and Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Meatballs
Example of Snacks – Protein Shakes, Peanut Butter on Rice Cakes, Yogurt and Fresh Berries, Hummus and Pita Bread
3. Eating in Moderation and Portion Control.
We are living in a fast pace world and majority of us do not cook. We eat out so much that we over consume. We are tempted to finish all of our food in one sitting because we paid for it. That is not needed. I normally leave about 20% of my food on my plate. I either take that 20% to go or I don’t eat it. By taking it to go, you will have something for the next day. Set a limit of 1 bowl of rice, 1 sandwich, 1 plate at the buffet etc.
4. 3 Meals a day? Make that 6 Meals!
I am an advocate for more than 3 meals a day. Your metabolism slows down when you’re not eating. Jump start it by having regular “snacks” in between regular meal times.
Don’t grab those fries! Grab roasted seaweed or even a fruit smoothie. That granola bar is even better than that bag of chips. Add fruits and veggies to your diet to balance out your nutrition.
5. Out with the Old, In with the New.
What I mean about this, is start your diet fresh – with a fresh outlook, and a new determination. Don’t look back on past diets that did not work. You have the power to change how you look and how you feel. So do it!
Start with one foot at a time. Have a plan. If you need help figuring out a plan, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. If a doctor gives you trouble, find a new doctor. What you want are people who will be there to give you the guidance and emotional/physical support.
Set goals and meet your goals. I know you can do it!