Healthy Weight Loss Diets - Simple Suggestions

Weight loss is a tricky topic. Lots of people are unhappy with their present weight, but most aren't sure how to change it - and many would be better off staying where they are. Being healthy is really about being at a weight that is right for you. The best way to find out if you are at a healthy weight or if you need to lose or gain weight is to talk to a doctor or dietitian, who can compare your weight with healthy norms to help you set realistic goals. Are you looking for healthy weight loss diets that work? If you have been overweight for a long time you have probably tried your share of the many, many diets out there and failed to lose the weight or if you did lose some weight, failed to keep it off. In fact, your weight is a balancing act, but the equation is simple: If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. And if you eat fewer calories than you burn, you lose weight. Since 3,500 calories equals about one pound of fat, if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you'll lose approximately one pound a week. What some people do not get is the fact that if you are going to lose weight and keep it off it will take dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to change the way you think about food and the way you live your life. Most people who go on a diet are looking for instant gratification but in reality healthy weight loss diets will show you that if you are going to lose the weight and keep it off the process will be slow and steady not fast and furious. Permanent weight loss is not something that a "quick-fix" diet can achieve. Instead, think about weight loss as a permanent lifestyle change-a commitment to your health for life. So what do you think you need to be successful? You need a meal plan that is balanced, tastes good, controls hunger, does away with cravings and increases your energy level. Lots of people eat when they're bored, lonely, or stressed, or keep eating long after they're full out of habit. Try to pay attention as you eat and stop when you're full. Avoid eating when you feel upset or bored - try to find something else to do instead (a walk around the block or a trip to the gym are good alternatives). You can accomplish this by sticking to a diet low in fat and eating at least five small meals a day. Eating five small meals a day will help keep your metabolism stoked and help you burn more fat. Do not try to eliminate all fat from your diet, some fats are OK and your body needs fat in small amounts. Stay away from bad fats like saturated fats and trans fats. Good fats include the polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil and omega 3 you get from eating fish. Make sure to read the labels on your food and eat only the serving size amount. Portion control is the key to losing weight. If you give your body more calories than it needs you will gain weight. If you give your body the exact amount of calories it needs in a day you will maintain the weight you are right now. If you give your body less calories than it needs you will lose weight, it's just that simple. And if you combine a little exercise with your new meal plan, you will be at your ideal weight before you know it. Get a good mix of cardio and strength training to improve heart and lung function and tone muscles to make them work more efficiently and aid in your weight loss effort. Toned muscle helps burn more fat even when you are asleep. Even if you do all this and start eating healthier you still may not get all the nutrients you need on a daily basis. You may need to find a good supplement to take each day. If you do not know anything about supplements you can talk to you doctor, pharmacist, or local natural food store owner and get their recommendation. When you get all the nutrients you need each day you may find your cravings for certain foods will decrease. People who have successfully lost weight and kept it off often rely on support from others to help them stay on course and get over any "bumps." Sometimes having a friend or partner who is also losing weight or maintaining a weight loss can help you stay motivated. Follow these simple suggestions on healthy weight loss diets and exercise and you will lose the extra weight. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8788952