Tips for losing weight

Getting specific

Since I know many of you have resolved to make this the year you shed some excess weight, I thought it would be a good idea to give you some tips that will help you do just that.

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve heard and read it ALL before.” But before you click “delete,” hear me out….

This isn’t the same vague advice you’ve read over and over again. These are seven, specific–but incredibly easy–tips that can make an enormous difference.

So let’s get to it…

• Ask for help.  If people don’t know what you’re trying to do, they can’t help you stay on the straight and narrow. Be vocal about your new lifestyle and be around only those who support you. When I was younger and trying to lose weight, I had a period in my life where I refused to see my parents at their house because I knew there would be more food there than I could handle. I would meet them on neutral grounds–like a restaurant–so I could be sure I could stay on my program. Sounds harsh, but, again, if you’re up front with people about your goals, they’ll understand and be glad to support you.
• Simplify.  Find a few restaurants, delis, or grocery stores that work for you and stick to them.
• Turn off the TV/computer/smart phone/tablets (this list can go on and on these days). Don’t get me wrong. I’m as glued to these gadgets as anyone. But I always put them away when I sit down to a meal. The reason? You’re likely to consume up to 40 percent more calories when you’re distracted by these devices while eating. Even if you live alone or are dining alone, focus on the meal–you will eat less.
  
• Step away from the condiments.  Ok, not all of them–mustard and mayonnaise are generally good, and there’s nothing like a drizzle of macadamia nut oil over a salad. However, ketchup has more sugar in it than ice cream and many sauces and bottled salad dressings are loaded with sugar. Be careful.
  
• Don’t be fooled by “sugar free” products.  Artificial sweeteners act like sugar in the body and therefore do nothing to help regulate your blood sugar levels or decrease your appetite.
  
• Forget “fat free.”  Fats are satisfying and keep you full longer. They also give you a more constant, consistent supply of energy and help keep your blood sugar balanced. The best kind of fat is the monounsaturated variety, which you’ll find in foods like nuts and avocadoes.
  
• Fear the “creep.” Once you’ve hit your goal, it’s important to stay aware of your weight. Fluctuations are normal, but if you start to creep up by more than a couple of pounds, it’s time to take a closer look at where you might have been slacking and buckle down again. 

There you have it. Seven simple things you can do starting today to start shedding pounds. And these strategies won’t just help you lose the weight…they’ll also help you achieve an even more important goal–keeping it off.