Losing weight is really tough! Its not easy to break old unhealthy habits and start new ones. Here's a list of ideas to make your weightloss journey a successful one.
Recruit an active, caring support group. Having people to cheer you on is really important.
Try not to deprive yourself of things you like. I know from experience that that tends to lead to a binge! Remember there are no good foods or bad foods. Try things in moderation. Sensible portion sizes are the key!
There is no easy quick fix way to lose weight. The only way is to change your eating habits and get more exercise. Yoyo dieting just makes things worse and severe diets are impossible to stick to and just make you feel bad about yourself.
Tea and coffee are fine. If you have them with milk go for skim milk . . . try herb teas for variety. Water is good too!!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (REALLY) so make it a good one. Here's some suggestions:
Whole grain cereal with skimmed milk
Fruit salad with low fat yoghurt - as is or throw it into the blender for a smoothie
Wholemeal toast with a little jam or marmalade
Porrige made with skimmed milk or water (no cream)
Poached egg on wholemeal toast
Omelette with mushrooms and peppers (or tomatoes & herbs . . .)
Exercise, exercise, exercise . . . walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift, park a block away from where you need to go and walk the rest of the way, play outside with your kids, walk over and talk with your work colleagues instead of e-mailing or phoning.
Try fruit for sweet snacks - grapes, dried fruit, cherries, strawberries. Delicious.
Remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, despite what the media would have us believe. Make sure your weightloss goals are realistic. Work out your BMI. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If you Google BMI calculator you will find a calculator to work it out for you.
Above all be kind to yourself. Don't feel you have to make the changes all at once, just take it one step at a time. You don't have to lose the weight overnight - after all you didn't put it all on overnight!!
