What is the best way to lose weight
in the New Year? As the nation's leading provider of weight
treatment services to the medical community, Health Management
Resources (HMR) knows there is no magic bullet for weight
loss. Fads will always come and go, but there are some realistic
and sensible strategies that can make a real difference in
whether you lose weight and keep any of it off this year.
1. Choose a plan that makes sense
Pick a program that focuses on strategies you can practice
long-term, not just while you are "on the diet." Low-calorie meal replacements, like shakes
and portion-controlled entrees, make it easier to cut calories now and in the
future. Also, a plan with lots of vegetables and fruits allows you to eat in
volume without a lot of calories.
2. Get off to a strong start
Recent research has found that dieters who lost weight quickly
lost more total weight and kept off more weight long-term.
Researchers concluded that how well dieters do in the first
2-4 weeks predicts their success up to five years later.
3. Make your home a safe haven
Fill your home with healthy, low-fat, quick and easy food
options. A bowl of fresh fruit on the counter, for example,
can make it easy to have a healthy snack.
4. Make a plan
If you don't plan out what you're going to do, the world
has a plan for you. Map out the first day of your week to
get a strong start you can build on the rest of the week.
5. More Is Better TM
If you stay full on low-fat, low-calorie foods like fruits,
vegetables and meal replacements, you're more likely to stay
on your diet and lose more weight overall.
6. Target your "easy wins"
Simple substitutions are often the easiest way to cut calories.
Drinking a diet soda instead of a regular soda every day
will save you 15 or more pounds in a year. Eating a turkey
sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mustard instead of a roast
beef sandwich with mayonnaise just twice a week will save
you another 15 pounds.
7. Keep moving
Daily physical activity such as walking, along with healthy eating is key to
long-term weight-loss success and maintenance.
8. Track your progress
Food and exercise records help you stay accountable to your
diet plan, reinforce your success, and give you valuable
feedback on how to continue to build your skills.
9. Drink fluids
It is important to stay hydrated, especially when you are
losing weight, because your body will naturally lose some
water. Make sure you drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of
noncaloric liquids per day.
10. Don't go it alone
Research shows that people are often more successful when they lose weight with
a friend or a group. HMR provides a variety of weight loss options designed
to fit your lifestyle and goals. For more information on a HMR program, call
(859)936-7208. |
