By Staff
Question of the week: I have been trying to lose weight now for a couple of weeks. I have cut back my calories, cut down my fat, cut out my snacks and still no improvements. A friend of mine is watching what she eats too, and is starting to see results. What am I doing wrong?
Trying to lose weight but it just won't come off - what is there to do? Many people go through this in their lives. They go on a diet and after a couple of weeks they see no improvement. The problem usually is that people are doing it wrong or they are rushing the effects. Just because you want to see results right away does not mean that your body sees it that way. And just because your friend has lost weight doing exactly what you are, doesn't mean a thing. Your body is not the same as your friend's and it will not lose weight the same. Let's look at 5 ways to help a person when trying to lose weight.
1. Do not starve yourself!!!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when going on a diet is cutting back too many calories at once. Start cutting back a small amount of calories at a time. Your body is smart and will know you are starving yourself. It will fight to hold onto those calories you are trying to lose. By cutting back a little at a time your body will be able to handle the adjustment. You also do not want to cut out too many calories because you will be at risk of missing nutrients you need.
2. Do not skip snacks
Healthy snacking does not make you fat. It can actually help you not overeat. If you go too long without eating you will be starving, which at mealtime usually causes overeating. Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day that many people disregard. People skip breakfast and then are so hungry by lunch they devour too much unneeded food. Eat three meals a day and have snacks in-between.
3. Keep track of what you are eating
I can't count how many times a person will say to me "I can't understand why I can't lose weight, I do not eat that much". This usually is not the case. People generally underestimate what they are taking in by a lot. They forget how fast that glass of juice or tablespoon of butter adds up. I suggest you write down everything you have eaten for a day with all the calories and fat grams included and I bet you'll be shocked.
4. Exercise
Do not forget a prime element to losing weight - working out. Find a way to do it because it is not just important for losing weight but for keeping the weight off and for your health.
5. Make it for a lifetime
Diet is a bad word to use. Look at what the first three letters stand for. Dieting can be bad for your body especially if you are a yo-yo dieter. Instead, you need to find a way to eat that can be healthy and you can stick to for a lifetime. Trying to find a short term, quick way to lose weight is not going to work. A year from now you will be right back in the same spot. Find a way that you can feel comfortable making it a healthy part of your lifestyle.
Hopefully these tips will help people with their struggles with weight loss. Remember don't just jump into it and get discouraged - figure out what is best for you and what will work in the long run.
Thought of the week: Losing weight has to be something you really want and are motivated to do - once it becomes that it will seem easy.