Whether you’ve gained some weight during the winter and can’t seem to shake it off or you’ve been struggling with weight loss for quite some time now, just know that you’re not alone. A great number of people deal with this same issue. The problem lies in the fact that most people, once they decide it’s time to shed those extra pounds, resort to dieting and dieting often includes starving yourself and depriving yourself of nutrients your body actually needs to function and be healthy. When you’re hungry (for extended periods of time) you can become grumpy, experience a huge drop in energy levels as well as concentration levels, and this is certainly no way to function.
Quick detoxes and fad diets may lead to desired results, but just like all fad diets, once you’re done and go back to eating normally you put the weight back on and essentially wind up being stuck in this vicious circle. So yes, there are bad and short-term (and full of struggle and tears) ways to lose weight and then there are good ways which provide long-term results and don’t take a toll on your health, so let’s see how we can help get you to your golden weight with none of the grueling dieting practices.
Hydration 101
Always start your day with a warm glass of lemon water. This little beverage does wonders for your metabolism, and it’s a great way to kick off the day. Of course, as the spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states, this beverage alone isn’t a weight-loss magic wand, but if it’s a substitute for a beverage that is higher in calories, it’s a good start. However, the power of hydration for weight loss is truly tremendous. There are times when our body mistakes thirst for hunger, so instead of reaching for food or even worse, snacks, drink a glass of water before. You might realize it’s exactly what you needed. Aside from all this, drinking water 30 minutes before a meal improves digestion and generally is amazing at flushing out toxins, but again, don’t expect any fast miracles. It takes time and consistency to make this work, so hydrate properly – at least 8 glasses of water a day, more if you tend to lose fluids through perspiration – whether due to hot climate or high-impact physical activity.
Starting on a healthy note
It is paramount to understand is that every body is different, and there is no one-fits-all solution for anything, nutrition included. Some people will tell you to cut out carbs, processed foods (which are truly detrimental for your health so this advice is a good one) and starches and introduce more protein, healthy fats and vegetables. This solution might work for some, and it certainly makes sense – carbohydrates are generally considered the enemy of both a great figure and good health, but the fact is, they exist for a reason and different people require them in different amounts. Stop following fad diets and cookie-cutter weight-loss prescriptions and find out what works for you specifically.
There is a large number of great nutritionists and real fitness experts that will prescribe a nutrition plan that is custom made for you. When you turn to professionals and find a method that doesn’t make you feel like you’re giving up on anything – the personalized ONE3ONE method is the perfect example for that, not only will you lose weight in a way that is healthy, but you will never feel hungry or like your battery levels are low. The true goal of a great customized diet is to improve your gut health and get your metabolism in spic and span shape and then the pounds will melt off without any tears and sacrifices.
The mandatory step
You know that the general rule of thumb is 70 diet, 30 percent exercise. 30 percent is not small and it should definitely not be neglected. An incredible nutrition plan can do wonders for your overall health, but some form of physical activity is definitely a must. Now, again, exercise shouldn’t feel like the equivalent of climbing the Himalayas, and if grueling workout regiments aren’t something you feel is appropriate for you, the best possible route to take is to hire a personal trainer. These people are professionals in their field and based on what your goals are and where you stand now, they will create an exercise plan that suits your needs and that will lead to gradual and permanent weight loss.
The intensity of the exercises will increase over time, because once your body becomes ‘too comfortable’ with a certain set of exercises, a trainer will switch things in order for the workout to be effective. Trust your trainer and convey your needs clearly. Even if you hate exercise, with the right person, you are bound to love it.
So, we’re clear – no fad diets, just healthy foods and dietary habits made especially for you, plenty of water and suitable exercise program, and most of all patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so if you want to see true results, you will have to give it time because a healthy lifestyle is a long-term commitment, but it doesn’t need to feel like torture, not with the right approach.
Guest Blogger
Mia Taylor can be reached at mrsmiataylor@gmail.com or her webstie.
