4 Savvy Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
By Sandy Schroeder
Over the years, I have tried many weight loss programs -- some great, others not so good. Overall, willpower always seemed to be involved as I turned down the fries and reached for a salad. Now, there may be a better approach.
HarvardHealth says there are strategies out there to help you gain the upper hand in weight loss. Instead of willpower, these strategies involve skill power.
Harvard doctors say, “Successful weight loss depends largely on becoming more aware of your behaviors and starting to change them.” That’s where skill comes in as you select from a variety of weight loss strategies.
Learn to self-monitor - Consider using a food diary online or in a notebook and jot down what you are eating and when. Also note current weight. As you move ahead with the effort, you may begin to see diet trends that work.
Practice self-acceptance - If you slip at a birthday party, accept the fact and enjoy the cake, but then get right back to your daily diet routine. Some people slip and then give up completely, surging off, eating whatever they want and packing on new pounds. One slip won’t ruin your diet, but giving up will.
Exercise as you go - As you start a diet, and later as you begin to lose weight, keep exercising to keep those pounds off. Two or three workouts a week can help you tone muscles and protect your heart, while you are shedding pounds. If you can’t make it to the gym, run or do strength workouts at home, or dance with your kids. Always take the stairs, park in the back of the parking lot, and stand rather than sit whenever you can. The more active you are the easier it will be to stay ahead of the calories.
Master the art of maintenance - When you begin to shed pounds, pay attention and take steps to preserve your success. When I lost 20 pounds in a hard-fought battle, I would spring into action the minute I gained five pounds back. I would up my exercise routine, cut back on calories, and use other distractions to avoid food temptations. A plant-based diet that eliminated processed foods helped too. Those efforts helped me keep that weight off for several years.
Wherever you are in the weight loss game, believe that you can do it, stay focused and use all of your available skill powers to make it happen.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tampa, Fla.