Ever wish there was an easy-to-follow practical primer to tell you all
things you should and shouldn't do to help you lose weight? I'm not talking about food choices here - there are 'tons' of eating plans available. I'm referring to a simple list that you can follow in your everyday life to make it easier to stick to your diet. Here are a few tips that I've found works wonders to help avoid temptation and keep me on track.Shopping Tips
1. Shop outside grocery aisles.
Supermarkets are designed with four basic food groups around perimeter of store. If you stick to outside aisles, you'll find produce, bakery, dairy and meat - exactly what you should be buying. Avoid going up and down aisles where processed 'convenience' foods lurk to tempt you from your good intentions.
2. Never ever shop hungry.
It's an old tip, but it works every time. When you're hungry, everything looks good - especially quick, empty calories. Make it a point to shop on a full stomach and you'll find yourself saving both money and calories.
3. Buy fresh, whole and organic whenever you can. Processing depletes vital nutrients and adds calories. If you have a choice, buy fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grain products. Skip highly processed snack foods(twinkies and chips etc.)and 'convenience' dinners.
Setting Goals
1. Break your goals down if you have to. The thought of losing 100 pounds can be daunting. Instead, make it your goal to lose 10 pounds this month, or to get through week without cheating on your diet. "Inch by inch life's a cinch; yard by yard it's hard."
2. Set reasonable, attainable goals for yourself. Remember that a healthy, sustainable weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week. Setting goal to lose 30 pounds by next month is setting yourself up for failure. Don't be taken in by infomercials and false advertisements! Everyone is different! Being content with your progress will help you attain your goals. Discontentment leads to eating binges. Remember, you didn't gain weight overnight nor will you lose it overnight.
3. Reward yourself! There's nothing more motivating than promising yourself a special treat when you reach a goal - but don't keep rewards just for big milestones. Make a list of positive reinforcers that you can dip into whenever you avoid temptation or need a little boost. I always make Saturday by treat day. I stick to my diet goals all week then on Saturday I reward myself with a treat. Plus, it just makes it easier to get through week knowing that on Saturday I can have that banana split.
