diet tips

Some people that are trying to lose weight sometimes seem to either be a little oblivious to other important factors of dieting, or maybe just don't know any better way!

Well, I'm no expert, but I've learned a few things from  research, trial and error, and ofcourse personal experience,that I am willing to share. Again, this is MY PERSONAL way of doing things, doesn't mean I'm right and if you try any of it, its at your own risk. Note: I stopped doing most of these since I got pregnant!

-First of all, buy a good weighing scale, and find out your current body weight!

-Find out what your suggested weight should be. This requires your gender, frame size (small, medium, or large), age, height, and fat percentage. You can check at websites such as these: http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm (right click to open in a new window)

-Figure out how much you need to lose, and set a REALISTIC goal. Make sure you set a specific amount of time to complete it, for example: lose 5 months in 4 weeks and mark it on your calendar!

-If you can, get rid of all the junk food in your kitchen!

-Make a list of not only healthy things you can eat, but also food you LIKE to eat, that are low on calories/fat. There's gotta be a few things you like to eat that are not junk food! Try to always have these healthy foods in your fridge!

-Its not just about how many calories a food has but also how many grams of FAT PER SERVING it has, look at the labels on the back!! and make sure you understand what it means. After all, FAT is what makes us.... fat.

-Use alternative low-calorie / non-fat food products, example: non-fat milk, diet coke, non-fat cheeses (they exist!), low calorie breads, preferably wheat! etc.

-Eat! we are human and we NEED food. The important thing is to eat small amounts of food and more importantly its WHAT we eat that counts. For example, before I got pregnant, I'd eat a lot of pickles! I love them! and they have like 2 calories per spear, isn't that great!?

-Eat fruits and veggies!

-Chew your food!! take your time eating! when you use forks/spoons, put them down on your plate after each bite, it will take you longer to finish your meal which will help you digest your food better!

-I know you've probably heard this before but you should try to stop purging (if you currently do it), it'll do more bad than good!

-Measure measure measure!! guessing how many cups of cereal you are eating or guessing how many calories something has wont do the trick! you have to be strict about knowing exactly what you are eating!

-Try to drink a lot of water or other low calorie/no calorie liquids! I HATE water so it was hard but you should at least try it! It will help your digestive system and also make you feel fuller faster!

-If you want to use laxatives, I'd recommend you use them sporadically!

-Figure out what is your recommended calorie intake for losing weight. For example, mine was 1200 calories per day and I think 30 grams of fat per day. As long as you don't go over that, you'll do great! and if you eat a little bit less than that, even better!

-Start a food log to keep track of what you eat and not go over your limits.

-Weigh yourself once a week to see how you're doing. And remember, its OKAY if you mess up on a meal or even a whole day! Just try harder the next day! Important!: Always weigh yourself in the morning when you first wake up and on the same scale!

-Its ok to "sin" and eat something you really been craving once in a while! just eat a tiny bit of it, eat it slow and savor it!

-Let your household members know that you are trying to lose weight so they know not to offer you junk food! Surround yourself of people who will support you!

-And ofcourse, WORKOUT! when I really wanted to get a frap (im a sbux addict lol) I'd make sure I knew how many calories that was and made sure I burned them off by working out!

Well, I think that's all people! Hope it helps! :)