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Tip #1 - Eat what you like!
Eat foods that you like to eat - see how you can fit them into your daily goals. You might even find tastier and more healthy ways to make some of your old standbys. For example, we like fajitas - a lot! We have found a low-sodium marinade for the meat that actually tastes better to us than our usual sauce.
Tip #2 - Read the Label - not the advertisement!
Many foods claim to be "good for you". But there is really only one way to tell - read the label. A food may very well be fat free but contain high amounts of sugar or sodium which can be just as harmful to you as fat if you get too much. For example, I might choose low sodium crackers over low fat crackers because I know my diet tends to be higher in sodium than fat. You have to make choices that are right for YOU.
Tip #3 - Calories - use them or lose them!
If you go over your calorie goal one day - forget about it. The next day you will still need to try to meet your daily calorie goal. Take this one day at a time. There will be good days and there will be better days - this is not an exact science.
Tip #4 - Add some activity to your life!
You will notice an increase in energy as you start giving your body enough of the food that it needs to function. We recommend adding some regular aerobic exercise to your daily routine. A half hour a day will give you some amazing results. Weight training can help you tone your lose skin and build muscle for even more energy and strength.
Tip #5 - Variety! Variety! Variety!
Try new foods. There are a lot of great resources on the Internet and in the book stores for healthy recopies incorporating foods that you like or want to try. You will also find that many foods that are sometimes frowned upon when loosing weight, can be worked into a healthy diet.
Tip #6 - Keep lots of fruits and veggies on hand!
You will need to work toward a balance of foods in your diet. Keep fresh fruits on hand as a quick snack or dessert. Fresh chopped vegetables make fine snacks as well. Save time with pre-packaged garden salads or frozen vegetables. Try to incorporate a lot of fruits and vegetables into your day.
Tip #7 - Don't compare yourself to others!
You are unique. Your body will react differently to the foods you eat and the exercise you do. Your age, gender, weight, height, and genetic makeup all play an important role in determining how your body will react.
Tip #8 - The Scale does not tell the whole story!
While the bathroom scale is a good tool to use to record changes to your body - it certainly should not be the only tool you use to judge your progress. Many times the way your clothes fit and the way you feel are a much better indication of your progress. You can lose inches around your waist but not see a significant drop in your weight. This is generally because you are adding muscle to your body. And, muscle weighs more than fat.
Tip #9 - Vitamins and Supplements can help!
A multi-vitamin is generally a good idea to make sure you are getting enough of the major vitamins and minerals. These usually have a nutrition label so you can tell which one fits into your diet best. Calcium is a difficult nutrient to get enough of through food. If you find you are not getting enough, consider taking a Calcium supplement. If you have any questions or concerns about what vitamins or supplements are right for you, ask the pharmacist, a nutritionist or your physician.
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