We’ve grown into a society of folks with an almost insatiable appetite for instant gratification. From fast food to microwave ovens to diets and ‘get rich quick’ schemes, we want what we want, when we want it, and usually as quickly as possible.
People trying to lose weight are among some of the most impatient. Never mind that it took months, or even years to put the excess weight on, they want to see instant results and if they don’t, they’ll usually abandon the program and move on to whatever else they think may be the ‘magic bullet’ to instant weight reduction.
This article will give you some tips to help you achieve the trim, healthy body you desire. No, you won’t wake up thin tomorrow, but following these tips will help you reach your ideal weight as quickly as is safely possible.
1. Whichever program you choose, commit yourself to follow it to the letter for at least a month. Too many times dieters will do well for four or five days and then give in to cravings or try to ‘reward’ themselves by eating out, or fixing a favorite calorie-laden meal or dessert at home. They’re basically undoing all the good they’ve done all week in a single day. Give your diet plan a chance to work and be diligent for four weeks.
2. Set goals, both short-term and long-term, and be reasonable. You’re setting yourself up for failure with a goal of losing 30 pounds in a month. Understand that a consistent loss of one to two pounds a week will add up, especially if you’re not indulging in a ‘cheat day’ once or twice a week.
3. Drink water, drink some more water, and then drink a little more water. It’s absolutely true what you’ve heard about water helping to flush the body. Some overweight people are carrying many pounds of excess water because they’re not giving their body enough to drink. The body’s response is to hold onto as much water as possible.
4. If you want to accelerate your weight loss as much as possible, you have to move more. Movement in general, and exercise in particular will speed up your metabolism, which in turn burns more calories, even at rest. Don’t feel like you have to do marathon running in order to get some oxygen flowing through your body. Start out with what you can do, even if it means only walking to the mailbox and back. Consistency is the key. After a few days, or a couple of weeks, you’ll surprise yourself with how much better you feel and how much more you’re able to do.
5. Don’t be a slave to the scale. Weight loss can be measured in many other ways, and even when the scale doesn’t seem to be responding, you may be losing inches and changing your body shape. Follow your progress by using the image you see in the mirror, measuring certain body areas regularly, or trying on a favorite pair of jeans that you haven’t been able to wear for a while.
Weight loss just isn’t an easy thing to do, but it CAN be done. Be realistic about how much you need to lose and be patient with your body as it tries to accommodate your efforts. With consistent commitment, you can achieve whatever goals you set.
