By Monique Bartlett
November 20th, 2013 Edition
Starting to lose weight can be difficult, especially if you don’t know exactly how to get started. So where do you start?
Exercise is one of the key elements to weight loss. Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day should be your goal. Consider group activities such as soccer or tennis or individual activities such as running or walking. Group activities are a great way to meet new people. They’re also a great way to meet like minded people so that you can provide one another with mutual support throughout your fitness journey.
Diet is also instrumental in reaching your weight loss goal. Find low calorie versions of the foods you like. Watch your portion sizes and eat everything in moderation. Not eating enough and food cravings cause many people to abandon their better eating habits. Indulge your craving with a low fat or reduced calorie versions of your favorite foods. This allows you to suppress your cravings without causing you to binge at a later time.
Figure out what is healthy for your body. If you function better in the morning, then get up earlier and do some exercise. If you function better in the evening, then exercise as soon as you get off work so you don’t come up with excuses or other reasons to not get in your 30 minutes by the time you get home.
In order to keep the weight off, avoid eating just before bedtime. When you eat food just before you go to bed, it won’t digest properly and causes the food calories to turn into fat.
If your bedtime is 10pm, don’t eat any later than 8pm. If you absolutely have to have a snack, grab some fibrous vegetables, lean protein or water.
Now that you have some facts you should be ready to start a routine that will help you lose weight and feel much healthier. So pull out your old clothes or go buy some new ones. Get started on the road to a slimmer, healthier, happier you.
