Lose Weight Now: But How?
Knowing how to lose weight is something that puzzles some folks.
I only know that it has that effect on people because of how often I am asked, “How did you lose weight?”.
Since I am asked that question so much, here is what we are going to do.
- I am going to give you six simple adjustments you can make to your day starting right now.
- You will start losing weight, unless you have some sort of medical condition, if you follow these steps.
- Go back and read the series on how I started losing weight. This will help you to understand how important it is to have your head space right.
- Make a promise to yourself, for yourself, that you will continue with a healthier lifestyle. No diet talk.
You are probably going to like this: not one of these tips requires that you exercise. Nope, not one. Why did I just hear a giant sigh of relief??!!!
PLEASE NOTE THIS: I am by no means condoning not exercising. Leading a healthier lifestyle requires exercise, but I know that for some of y'all, if we start with exercise, you may never start the process to lose weight.
Lose Weight Starting Now: 6 Simple Adjustments
Are you ready? Here are your six easy adjustments to help you lose weight.
1. Drink Water:
You have probably heard to drink eight cups of water a day. My personal trainer and other reading that I have done recommends that we drink half our body weight, in ounces. If you weigh 200 pounds, that is 100 ounces of water a day. Yes, you will be visiting the restroom a lot, but think of it this way (1) you will be moving more often, which burns calories and (2) you will be too full to overeat. Nice, right?
2. Cut out the white stuff – salt, sugar, and bread:
Salt – Put the salt shaker away. Assuming you are cooking, use Mrs. Dash instead of salt.
Sugar – Do you know how much sugar is in soda and fruit juice, even if the bottle says 100% natural? Too dang much if you want to lose weight. Don't touch them, not even if they say diet or low fat. There is other bad crap in that which will not help your cause.
Sugar continued – Do you add sugar to your coffee or tea? Stop. When I stopped adding sugar to my coffee, I started ordering a smaller size and requesting less sugar. Instead of asking for light and sweet, I asked for one sugar. It was so nasty I couldn't finish the thing. That's a sure way to end that sugar habit.
Bread – I am a bread-aholic. Cutting back on the bread was sooo hard. Bread includes white bread, crackers, pretzels, and refined grains. I already mentioned white bread, but other refined grains include: white pasta, white rice, and foods made with white flour. You know, all of your favorites, cake, cookies, pancakes and breakfast cereals.
You are probably wondering, “Well what in the world am I supposed to eat? Is this a starvation diet?” First, on can.will.DONE. we do not diet, we live healthy lifestyles, so no. Second, you are not going to starve. Check out the next tips.
3. Eat fresh and natural foods instead of boxed foods:
Eat veggies – Imagine a plate. Divide that plate in half with an imaginary line. On one half of that plate, add green fresh vegetables. Organic would be great, but it is not necessary. You do not have to live on salads, by the way. If you are going to go for a salad, be mindful of what you are adding to the salad. Use oil and vinegar and lemon juice as dressings. If you must have dressing, put it a small cup. I dip my fork in the dressing, then pick up a fork full of mixed greens, spinach, or kale. That helps to control adding too many calories with fatty dressings.
Eat fruit – Select fruits that do not come in a can. Talk about sugar. Yeah, leave that alone. Add frozen fruits like berries, peaches, bananas, and mangos to smoothies. Eat an orange, apple, pear or grapes for a mid morning or mid afternoon snack.
4. Eat lean meat and fish
- Eat 95% – 99% ground turkey instead of ground beef. I will admit, the 99% ground turkey can be very dry. A great way to control portions would be to make some turkey meatball muffins.
- When eating chicken or turkey, choose the skinless breasts. Buy it without the skin, or to save money, remove the skin yourself. Did you know that KFC now has grilled chicken? If you must eat on the run, get a grilled chicken breast and remove as much as the skin as you can. Don't burn yourself in the process though.
- In terms of fish, tuna, canned tuna in water, cod, and salmon are great options. Baked or grilled with your Mrs. Dash are the way to go.
Remember that imaginary plate? On one quarter of the remaining half of your plate, add your lean meat or fish.
5. Use small plates or share meals
Speaking of plates, when you want, or need, to lose weight, part of the reason we struggle is because we do not use moderation or portion control. If that is your issue, start using a small plate to help you control your portions. Another trick is to split a meal with someone else.
6. Detox
There are all sorts of crazy detoxes out there, but I recommend the 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. If you cannot do any of the above tips on your own, this cleanse is a great way to start. JJ Smith, the author of the book, does a great job of telling you exactly what you need to do. That includes what you need to buy and when and what to eat. CAUTION: If you go this route, do not make it your diet. The cleanse is to help rid you of your cravings, give you energy, help you lose weight and begin a healthier life. Use it as such.
Your Next Step to Lose Weight
I have only one thing to add here. As you feel your clothes getting looser, start adding in physical activities. We typically refer to that as exercise. You can start with the tips that I share on How to Find Time to Workout.
Join the Lose Weight Now Conversation
Share your tips on what you have done to lose weight. Add your tips in the comments below or share them on Facebook and Twitter.