The Skinny On Losing Weight
Weight loss is a perennially hot topic, but never as much as during this time of year. As this post goes live, it is a week into the New Year, the time when resolve and determination to lose weight is at its peak.
For about three weeks. Maybe. Then the trips to the gym start getting old, you get tired of having a continually growling stomach, Overweight man on scaleand you start to wonder whether losing weight is all that important.
Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn’t. I don’t know how overweight you are, nor how healthy you are otherwise. But if you want to be able lose a few pounds, I have some tips that will help you stick to your New Year’s Resolution. Why? You won’t feel like you are sacrificing time, money and taste.
1. Avoid starches and refined sugar at least four days per week.
Starches include grains and any products made with grains, as well as yams and potatoes. Raw honey and raw agave nectar are acceptable sweeteners, if consumed in moderation. Stevia, a super-sweet herb, may be used as liberally as you want–although not everyone appreciates its flavor.
2. Eat to satisfaction.
Translation: neither starve nor stuff yourself.
3. Eat healthy, low-glycemic snacks.
Low-glycemic fruit (basically anything that isn’t a tropical or dried fruit) with nuts and/or sunflower seeds is easy to prepare, tasty and satisfying. You might also try celery and carrot sticks with tahini or almond butter, or an ounce or two of raw cheese (this article explains why I recommend steering clear of all pasteurized dairy, organic or not).
4. Do the right kind of exercise, at the right time.
To burn fat and boost your metabolism for up to 48 hours, exercise before eating in the morning. Do strength training at least three days per week, as this can significantly increase your metabolism over doing aerobic exercises. No gym membership or expensive equipment necessary–a few dumbbells of varying weight is all you need.
These tips will quickly get you on the road to weight loss. For a comprehensive resource that helps you not only to lose weight, but also dramatically decrease your vulnerability to illness and disease, please visit this page.
