9 WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH FITNESS

9 WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH FITNESS

There is a lot of advice on the Internet about losing weight and embarking on a fitness program. There are ads for weight loss products and diets that promise instant weight loss. The truth is that if you want to lose weight, get fit now and keep the weight off you have to eat sensibly and begin a fitness program. Here are some basic suggestions for losing weight and getting fit the right way.

1. Set a reasonable goal. Try and set an achievable goal for yourself and in addition to weight loss set a goal to become more confident or positive in your outlook. Developing a positive outlook could be the difference between success and failure of a weight loss and fitness program. If you make a goal to reach 110 lbs and you have never been 110 lbs in your life you are setting yourself up for failure. Set short term goals of 1-2 lbs of weight loss per week and you are likely to be successful.

2. Pick a diet or lifestyle eating plan that is healthy and provides you with the right amount of nutrients. Fad diets are just that – they come and they go and any weight lost on them comes back double fold. Make sure the eating plan contains enough protein as this is what will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

3. Always have breakfast and never skip meals. Nutritionists recommend that you eat several small meals during the day and never go more than four hours between meals. This way you don't have a lot of time to be hungry and you will be less likely to cheat and eat stuff you shouldn't.

4. Drink water. Water is the best beverage you can have when eating healthy. Drinking diet sodas with artificial sweeteners can cause health problems and interfere with your weight loss.

5. Enjoy the food you eat. Make your mealtimes enjoyable. Try out new recipes and even new foods including fruits and vegetables that are new to you. If you keep the food interesting and tasty you will not feel deprived.

6. Fast at night. The rule is to eat when you are active and not to eat when you are at rest. Binge eating late at night is when you are going to gain the weight. After your dinner meal let your digestive system rest until morning.

7. Don't deny yourself. If you really want that bowl of ice cream or that cookie then have it. But make it a small bowl of ice and only one cookie.

8. Make your fitness plan part of your lifestyle. Start out slow and don't exercise too strenuously if you are not used to exercising. Make sure to include a warm-up time, and a cool down to your exercise routine.

9. Find an exercise buddy. Research shows that if you make a fitness pact with another person you are more likely to stick with the plan. Recent research shows that even Fido will work. A study with owners and their pets that were put on an exercise and fitness plan together including lots of walks, the owners and pets lost approximately 11 pounds more than individuals and pets who dieted alone.