We want to talk about 20 secrets to dieting success which we will split into two separate posts. In each post we will discuss 10 secrets. So to start here is a bit of an introduction. It is a widely recognized and acknowledged fact that the population of most developed Western countries is getting fatter, and we are not talking about a gradual increase here.
The number of people who are seriously overweight or clinically obese is exploding all over the Western world.
This explosion is placing a very heavy additional burden on the already overworked and under resourced health services in a number of countries.
At the same time, statistics over the past few years would strongly suggest that the trend for citizens of most developed countries to get fatter by the day is not likely to be reversed any time soon without dramatic action.
Consequently, the strain on health services across the world is also going to increase, which in turn means that the inevitable breaking point is likely to be reached soon.
The day when health services collapse under the weight of treating people whose problems are generally a result of their own self-indulgence and inability or unwillingness to curb their bad habits is not far away if we don’t start reversing the trend towards obesity very soon.
And what happens when your bill doubles or triples because you are seriously overweight or obese?
It’s going to happen because the risks involved in undergoing serious medical treatment are significantly higher for overweight or obese people, and you can be sure that if they are not already doing so, the medical authorities will start factoring this into the amount that they charge.
Dieting is not easy. If it were, we would probably all be thin. Since we are not, here are the keys that successful people use to lose weight so that others can benefit, too.
So lets get right into the first 10 of 20 secrets to dieting success
1.DRINK 6-10 GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY
Okay, right off the bat, for many people this is a big problem. Water doesn’t taste all that great generally because water doesn’t really taste like anything. Drinking a cup of water 6 to 10 times each day gets easier the more you actually do it. It is simply a matter of conditioning your taste buds, and yourself, so that it becomes easier to do. Once you start this habit, you will begin to crave water.
To start with, First thing in the morning before you eat you should drink a glass of water, this will get the metabolism jump started. This is probably the easiest glass you will drink all day and it will help you remember to drink water all day long. Better yet, why not drink two glasses?
So why do experts suggest that we drink lots of water and why is it considered so essential to a healthy life? Well first off it helps to avoid dehydration and it keeps the kidneys functioning well by assisting in the elimination of waste products plus it helps to increase your metabolism which helps you to lose weight.
But aside from listening to what experts tell you, you should make it a priority to listen to your body first and foremost. When you are thirsty, then naturally you will drink water to replenish yourself. Depending on the kind of work that you do, you should try to get into the habit of drinking water regularly or even better, keeping a water bottle handy, especially on really hot days since the heat causes you to sweat and your body loses water and thus you will need to replenish yourself.
This is why water is so important in our lives and success tip number 1. Not only is it zero calories, it is basically the best source for quenching your thirst AND the healthiest. You may consider adding water to all of your meals over time and doing away with fruit drinks and sodas ultimately as it will help reduce your caloric intake and you’ll also feel much better without the added sugar that comes with the other drinks.
2. MUST EAT BREAKFAST
Do not skip breakfast, for breakfast is the cornerstone to any success in a eating nutritiously. It is the foundation for a successful diet. If you need to go to bed a little earlier so that you can get up 20 minutes earlier each morning do it! Breakfast is so important to your good health and to weight control. According to Dr. Barbara Rolls a professor of nutrition at Penn State University, “Your metabolism slows while you sleep, and it doesn’t rev back up until you eat again.”
Eating breakfast is not only good for overall weight loss, it will help you stay on track with your diet the rest of the day. You are more likely to binge on something sweet and in the bread group if you skip breakfast.
A top tip for making sure you never skip breakfast is to always keep a couple of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge or some high-fiber, low starch fruit around as a substitute. If you plan to eat fruit at all during the day, breakfast is the perfect time to do it.
3. EAT A MINIMUM OF 3 MEALS AND SNACKS EACH DAY
This can be one of the most difficult adjustments to make. After all, you are busy! You already have a full-plate. When do you have time to worry about filling your plate with more frequent meals?
Ah! But this one of the top secrets to dieting success. The reality is, eating smaller portioned meals and more frequently throughout the day is another corner stone of a successful diet. Just like eating breakfast will increase your metabolism, so will eating more often. This will also help you curb your bad-carbohydrate intake by making sure that your snacks are planned and occur regularly throughout the day.
Really, it will just take a minimal investment of planning time at the grocery store and at home each morning before you head out for the day to make some healthy food choices and prepare a few healthy snacks and meals. For suggestions, just see the handy list of snacks and appetizers listed later.
4. AVOID WHITE TYPES OF FOODS
This is one easy way to remember what not to eat. If it is made from sugar, flour, potatoes, rice or corn – just say no. Remembering this rule of thumb will make it easier to recognize those rice cakes as an unhealthy high-carb snack.
Basically all white types of carbohydrates are refined and therefore when in your digestive system get converted to sugar/energy. Which if not used gets converted to bodyfat
Always look for colorful fruits and veggies to substitute for the white ones. Buy broccoli, lettuce, bell peppers, green beans and peas, brown rice in moderation, leafy greens like kale and spinach, apples, melons, oranges and grapes.
These foods are not only colorful they are also high in fiber, nutrients and important antioxidants. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables will give your diet variety as well as give you added health benefits.
5.MUST EAT YOUR VEGGIES
It is so easy to use a low-carb diet as an excuse for poor nutrition. Resist this temptation. If the only vegetable you have eaten in the last 5 years has been the potato, now is a a perfect time to begin experimenting with other vegetables. This is important for your overall health and to avoid some nasty side effects of not getting enough fiber in your diet.
If you do a thorough search of vegetables, It’s guaranteed that you will find vegetables that you enjoy eating. Experiment with grilling veggies and cooking with real butter to add flavor. You can also search for new recipes on the Internet or in cookbooks.
Remember, if you are only eating 40 grams of carb a day or less, two cups of plain salad greens contain only about 5 grams of carbohydrate. You have no excuse not to eat your veggies.
6. PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD WHEREVER POSSIBLE
While more and more restaurants these days are offering low-carb friendly menu items, many of them are still not ideal low-carb fare. There are many recipes for quick and easy meals that you can prepare yourself at home. Try to do this as often as possible and turn it into a habit.
If you cook your own foods, you know exactly what contents you are adding in and you will be able to keep a watchful eye over hidden sugar and otherwise processed foods.
Another benefit is the cost savings over the long run. Even if you must go to the grocery store more often, you will save a significant amount per meal as opposed to eating at restaurants and fast food establishments.
It will also be easier to maintain your diet with your own favorite fresh food selections on hand.
7. INVEST IN A GOOD SET OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS
Having food storage containers of various sizes on hand will make it so much easier for you to plan your meals and snacks. When you buy nuts, fruits and vegetables in bulk you can simply prepare, separate and store them for easy use later.
For instance, you can pre-slice your apples and snack on them over several days. Simply cut them, rinse them in pineapple or lemon juice and store. This will make a quick and easy snack for later.
Fix your lunch and take it with you to work. Better yet, fix your lunch and 2 snacks for work.
8. EAT A FORM OF PROTEIN AT EACH MEAL & AS A SNACK
Protein….The most important nutrient of all: your body is made of cells that are formed from proteins and amino acids. You should choose a portion of lean protein such as chicken breast, ground turkey, egg whites, fish or lean steak.
Protein should be eaten with every main meal or spread out even with every five to six meals. Protein helps build lean muscle, repair tissue, hair, skin, and nails. A good protein source is a 100% whey protein powder that supplies good amino acids and excellent source of calcium for the bones.
Also in addition to everything that’s been discussed before, eating protein helps you burn more calories. Jeff Hample, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesman for the American Dietetic Association says that, “As Protein is made up mainly of amino acids, which are harder for your body to breakdown, so you burn more calories getting rid of them.
Just think eating a protein rich snack can help you lose weight. How about a few slices of turkey or ham or some string cheese?
Eating protein will also help you feel full so that you are less likely to crave unhealthy snacks.
9. DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACK
Developing this little habit is a real secret when it comes to dieting success which few people follow but has a massive result on your diet. It will help you get in your 8 to 10 glasses of water each day but it can also have other benefits. Ever feel hungry after eating a handful or standard serving of nuts? Try drinking water afterwards. The water will help you feel full and prevent overindulgence.
Drinking water after a snack will also help remove the aftertaste from your mouth and can help curb your desire for more. Follow this little tip and develop it into a habit then before you know it you will be where you want to be and at the weight you want to be.
10. CHEW SLOWLY & ENJOY YOUR FOOD
Guaranteed if you follow this little secret, You will feel full and more satisfied if you take the time to savor your food and chew it slower. Don’t get in the habit of eating while standing or eating quickly. Sit down preferably at the table and chew.
Eating slower like this will help you enjoy your food more, pay attention to what it is you are actually eating and get a better sense of when you are actually full.