Sep 4, 2008

How to Lose Weight and Eat Healthier



from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Have you tried all those fad diets, starved yourself hungry, but still have gotten no results? Do you want to feel better about yourself and look good too? While there is no way to starve yourself slim, you can eat healthier and lose weight.

Steps


  1. Get rid of all that junk food. Throw every unhealthy thing away, or if you can't bring yourself to do that, then store in somewhere you won't find it appealing. One way or another, if you're going to eat healthy, that junk has got to go!
  2. ALWAYS eat breakfast! Have you ever broken the word down? Break-the-fast. Don't eat 3 meals throughout the day; eat 5-6 small, proportioned ones.
  3. If you have strong will power, you can skip this step if you want. If you aren't, then here are a few substitute foods. If you're a bread fiend, instead of eating white bread, try whole wheat. If you love ice-cream, try freezing fruits and then eating them.
  4. You will need to exercise. Try starting off with 15-20 sit ups a day and maybe 5-10 push ups. Don't strain yourself to do more than you actually can!
  5. Find some active friends that will DRAG you out.
  6. While you're watching TV and there's a commercial, stretch or run around the house. If you're at the computer all day long, try taking 5 minute breaks and stretch.
  7. If you don't buy the junk food you won't have it to snack on. But, be sure you have something healthy to reach for to calm that snack habit.
  8. Practice eating actual portion sizes. Soon it will come naturally. All containers list portion sizes, so, you can actually measure the portions to get an idea of their true size. You will be amazed.
  9. Be sure to eat a protein with complex carbohydrates (breads, potatoes, pasta, etc.) to balance the sugar absorption which will help prevent carb. cravings.
  10. If you decide to switch to Whole Wheat bread, try taking it one step further to Whole Grain, which contains less sugar and more fiber. Whole Grain bread is nice and crunchy and more filling.
  11. Be sure to drink plenty of non-caffeine fluids every day, about 8 glasses.


Tips


  • You don't have to cut yourself off immediately from all that junk, but enjoy it in moderation.
  • Eat healthy snacks like apples or carrot sticks if you're dying to munch on something.
  • If you NEED to eat something sweet, try brushing your teeth, then everything that tastes sweet will taste bitter. Or, try gum. Never, I repeat, NEVER, chew sugar free gum. They have sugar replacements such as xylitol.
  • Smaller portions are just as filling if you slow down.


Warnings


  • Don't go overboard. It's okay to enjoy sweets in moderation.
  • Do not shop groceries when you're hungry, you might end up buying junk that you might end up eating.


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