Ever find you gain a few pounds over the holidays or over the course of the year? Don't fret! The following plan can free you from those extra pounds and kickstart the weight loss process.
1) Drink water. It's the first step in making a lifestyle change toward a healthier new you. Put away the sweet tea and soda pops. Make it a point to drink adequate amounts of water each day. To figure the correct amount of water you should consume, multiply your weight by 67%. The answer will give you an estimate of how many ounces of water you should drink daily. For instance, a person weighing 180 pounds needs to drink an average of 120 ounces of water each day.
Not just any water will do. Filtered water will give you the cleanest, healthiest drink. Ordinary tap water often contains chemicals and bacteria that can hinder our bodies from being their best. By filtering out these components, you are ensuring a higher quality of drinking water.
While it is feasible to drink nothing but water, there are benefits that can be obtained from other beverages. An occasional glass of milk or juice will supply your body with nutrients it needs. However, you must remember that such drinks add calories that will need to be worked off.
2) Jump start at least 5 days a week with a pre-breakfast cardiovascular workout routine. By kicking off your morning with a metabolism boost, you will burn an increased amount of calories throughout the remainder of the day. Your morning exercise should be relaxed enough that you are able to carry on a conversation with a friend, but strenuous enough that you would rather enjoy the companionship in silence. This workout, whether it is an outdoor walk or an indoor cardio regimen, should last a minimum of 15 minutes, in order to give your body time to deplete sugar reserves and begin burning fat. However, more time spent exercising will result in more calories being burned. It's always a good idea to discuss your new exercise regimen with your doctor before you begin.
3) Don't let your daily exercise stop there. Continue to move throughout the day. While you're waiting for your breakfast to heat up, do a few knee lifts. Is your co-worker running late to pick you up for work? Take these spare minutes to do a couple of squats and lunges. While waiting for the elevator to arrive, roll up on your toes several times. By staying in motion over the course of the day, you are toning your muscles and increasing the calories you burn.
4) Watch what you eat. It is not necessary to starve yourself in order to lose a few pounds. But it is important that your diet is free of sugars, excessive starches and unnecessary chemicals. The ideal diet would consist of fresh organic vegetables, free range meats and filtered water. However, not everyone is able to adhere to such a strict diet. To lose weight in a world that's full of "off the menu" temptations, keep your focus on veggies, grains and proteins, with an emphasis on the veggies.
5) Stay off the scales! The number one destroyer of a healthy weight loss plan is discouragement. After a week's worth of exercise and healthy eating, it can be very disheartening to step on the scales and see no change. Healthy weight loss doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. Allow yourself to check your weight once per month and no more than that. At the end of your first month, you should be able to see a change in your weight.
There's no better way to start off a new health regimen than to shed excess pounds. You will feel better and like your new look. Grab your water bottle, put on your walking shoes, and enjoy a healthy diet. Celebrate the new, healthier you by kickstarting your weight loss!
