The Most Important (Simple) Dieting Tips You Need to Know

By Stepy Kamei

One of the most common health goals of the average American is to focus on shedding excess weight, which is an important thing. Still, if losing weight was easy, there probably wouldn't be quite so many myths and misconceptions floating around out there for anyone to fall prey to. When trying to lose weight, it's important to separate fact from fiction so you can get on track to your weight loss goals. You should know better than to get sucked into an advertisement for a miracle weight loss pill, or a fad exercise routine that's destined to be debunked and forgotten about within six months' time. Fortunately, years of scientific studies and simple anecdotal evidence have allowed us to pinpoint some of the absolute best things we can do to help us shed those excess pounds in a safe and effective way. The best part about these helpful tips is how simple they are. 

Drink Up

Water, that is. It's not hard to drink water, especially considering the body craves it, yet many people are dehydrated without even realizing it. If you think this has nothing to do with your weight, keep in mind one of the top symptoms of dehydration is hunger. Yes, dehydration can cause you to overeat and overindulge with convenient junk foods as your body attempts to satiate its cravings for water. Drink a glass of water with every meal, and take at least one sip every hour, to see how much being hydrated can benefit you.

Don't Skip Breakfast!

This is probably one of the most common misconceptions about dieting -- the belief that eating less food is the key to losing weight. In reality, it's about making better choices with the food you do eat. You need to be stocking up on wholesome, nutritious foods, and you absolutely should not be skipping breakfast to lose weight. Many studies have shown people who skip breakfast are more likely to overeat later in the day, as their blood sugar levels drop quickly and trigger unhealthy eating habits by the early afternoon. Make sure you have a hearty morning meal with plenty of fiber and protein to give you energy and keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. 

Reduce Your Sugar Intake 

Many people think fat and carbohydrates are the sole culprits for weight gain, when in reality sugar consumption is a lot more likely to cause excess weight. Sugar offers no nutritional value at all; it only provides empty calories. 

As for fat and carbs, your body does need these for energy. Avoid fat and carbs from junk food and processed food products. Instead, stick to whole grains and fresh vegetables to get the nutrients your body really needs. 

Following these simple yet effective rules for weight loss can really make a difference in your journey toward a healthier you.