Make Losing Weight and Getting Healthy a Little Easier with this Idea

Well its the New Year, and along with the calendar change comes the resolutions!

Did you make any this year?  I don't usually because it tends to set me up for failure, but this year, after my blood pressure medication was raised, I decided it was time to lose a few pounds and get healthier.

But Just How Can I Lose Weight without Deprivation, Calorie Counting and Misery?

I talked to a dietitian, that was at a local pharmacy handing out information on health issues, and I asked her what was the best way for someone like me to lose weight with no will power?

Her answer "Start with Portion Control" and add an extra walk to my day.

Portion Control??

She said simply measuring out your portions instead of cutting out entire food groups was much easier.  This way you shaved off some calories but still enjoyed your food from all food groups.

She stated the benefits were huge, and you were more likely to stick to it when it was already measured out on the plate.

Benefits of Portion Control

1.  No deprivation of favourite foods

2.  No cutting out entire food groups

3.  No Calorie Counting

I had visions of measuring cups, scales, teaspoons etc!

She frowned and said, why not try portion control diet plates or containers?

Brilliant Idea!

I found this plate on Amazon.  It has a guide right on it.  Fill half your plate with veggies and 1/4 of protein and 1/4 starch.  It is sized in such a way that you can't overfill.



It is a good way to get started.  Actually this is when I realized that my portions had grown, so this brings me back to a normal sized helping.

You could also take a few days and measure out your food and use one of your own plates.  But I just thought this was a worthwhile investment for 10 bucks.

Another option is containers.  These are pre-measured and ready to go for your packed lunches, or simply your entire day of food.  I also found these on Amazon below:


I just know I have to do something, and using aids of some kind, will give me the kick I need to get my weight down.

As it turns out, I ate good healthy foods, just too much of them.

No Calorie Counting!

This is the best method for me.  I am not the best at calories counting, writing my food down, or measuring.  The above ideas, take the guess work out of the size of my portions.

I have also added an extra walk to my day, and make a point of using stairs always.

Anyways,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
May this be the best year ever for changing your bad habits!

Easy Weight Loss Tips - Even for the Foodies Out There Like Me

It is New Year, and if weight loss was on your list, then check out this post before you take drastic measures that don't stick.

I once talked to the local grocery store manager as he was deciding how many chips and snacks to order in for January.

He said it was an annual bet among store managers as to how long it would be before people could not sustain their drastic meager diets, pack it in, and shop in flocks for their favorite snacks and chalk up this years resolution as a "been there and done that" failure!

So if this is you, then maybe just slow it down.  In a world where we want everything "right now" this may not sound like an exciting way to eat, but I know for me it worked.  I lost 23 pounds over the course of a year.

Tip:  Whatever diet you choose, it has to be sustainable or you will gain it back, especially if you are a Foodie like me!.

Step 1 - Take your most routine days, maybe week days at work and look at your food intake.

Step 2 - Try and find 250 calories without stressing.  This will be the only time you will do any calorie homework, as once you have it figured you will get into a routine.

Even if you can shave off 30 calories here and there over the day, it quickly can add up.  Maybe switch whole milk for cream in your coffee, or 1 sugar instead of 2 sugars.

"This is great, but what about the things I love such as cookies at lunch?"  Find some cookies that are a few less calories.  Don't go for low fat crap, just find some that are less, you would be amazed the differences between brands.  Find 8-9,  30 calorie items in your day and you are set.  A bit less cream, sugar, different brands of cookies or other foods to shave a few calories.

Tip:  It takes 21 days to break a habit and start a new one, so do this slowly if you feel anxious

Step 3 - DO NOT FEEL DEPRIVED!  Or none of the above will work.  If you love dessert, and giving it up causing anxiety, have a smaller portion or find another one that is less calories.

Step 4 - Now that you have found at least 250 calories in your day that you can switch out, stick with it until it becomes habit.  It might feel slightly different at first, but if you don't deprive yourself, you can stick with it.

Step 5 - Get more sleep.  Nothing screws up calories like lack of sleep.  I gained weight because I had insomnia until I discovered I had sleep apnea and then my hunger hormones settled down.  If you are getting 6 or less hours of sleep, then make some time for yourself in the evening and create a calming enviroment for at least an hour before bed, or your body will be looking for calories the next day.

Example, hot bath, chamomile tea, read etc.

Step 6 - Once you have shaved 250 calories a day and are getting more sleep, think about adding a walk around the block or if you have stairs in your house, go up and down them a few more times, or at work.  Nothing drastic just add a few more steps to your day.

If you can burn a few more calories with exercise this will speed things up.

The Trick to Easy Weight Loss - Slow and Steady Wins the Race

To not feel deprived.
Go slow with each step until you are used to it.

It takes 3500 calorie deficit to lose a pound, which is 500 calories a day to lose a pound a week.  If you half this amount, you will lose approx 2 pounds per month without feeling deprived or hunger.

I know this doesn't sound too exciting, but it definitely begins to add up.  With just a few little tiny tweaks this could be 24 pounds in a year.  or at least 12 pounds by summer without feeling deprived or taking drastic measures.

So next time you see your friends all moody, anxious and hungry trying the latest fad diet, you can feel great knowing you are losing weight your way.

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Remember the Tortoise and the Hare Story?

This is not a race, this is a lifestyle change that needs to be sustainable.  Eating low calorie diets and cutting out food groups can totally upset your systems and make you feel horrid.

What is the point of losing the weight if you feel horrible?  Plus there is every chance you will gain it back when you stop.

So if you struggle with weight loss, then try something a little slower and something that will stick.  Don't cut out too much, simply do some switches.  Small changes become habit in 21 days!