Friday, May 18, 2007

In this Modern Era of Fast food and junk food it is obvious why so many people are overweight. It is extimated that 80% of America is Overweight and 28% are Obese. Now, think of that, at least one out of every 4 Americans are considered Obese. I know a child that was adopted from Korea and his foster parents in Korea purposely fed him extra food so he would get adopter, because in their mind that is what they thought Americans liked...fat babies, because America is fat. How do we lose this image? Well honestly it's one person at a time. Each and every person has to take responsibility for their own weight. Being responsible and taking care of yourself is definatley difficult. I've struggled with it my whole life, but losing that extra weight is so gratifying in the end!
Here are 20 Easy Ways to lose weight. Simple but efficient.

1. Take it one step at a time
Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control, add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you chose an activity that you enjoy.

2. Find a friend
It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight. Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in together and maybe even have a contest.

3. Use weights
Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so you will be smaller ( but probably weigh more).

4. Eat fewer carbs
Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.

5. Set a goal
Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see it daily.

6. Give up soda
If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you find it hard to stop completely, cut back at first and drink water instead.

7. Grill or boil
Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it and probably enjoy it more.

8. Don't buy junk food
When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be tempted to indulge.

9. Eat breakfast
Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast. Don't eat after 8pm and not only will you avoid those added calories but you will sleep better.

10. Give yourself a treat
When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more. Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel you are missing out.

11. Use smaller plates
Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a smaller plate.

12. Drink lots of water
Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full' feeling.

13. Don't eat everything on your plate
Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you have had enough.

14. Eat five or six meals a day
Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.

15. Plan your workout sessions
Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.

16. Stay away from fad diets
Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will gain it back ( and more) just as fast. It takes time to put it on and time to take it off.

17. Do several workouts a day
While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.

18. Measure your food
If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and control what you eat.

19. Keep pre-cut vegetables
...and ward off those cravings.

20. Create Good Habits
It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit. Create good eating habits.


Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.
This is probably the best link I've found on ways to lose weight. It's simple and it shows right away. I would encourage this program more than anything else.
Fat Loss 4 Idiots

This is about losinng weight while gaining muscle. Turning weight loss into muscle gain.
Burn Fat Feed the Muscle

A program to show you how to gain the 6-pack. It tells you crunches are not the way and shows a brilliant way to lose the stomach fat and gain a 6-pack.
The Truth About Six-Pack Abs


This is an easy way to lose weight from your home, Not Having To Go To The Gym. Just by using dumbbells and some cardio work.
TurbulenceTraining.com

This is about losing embarrassing man boobs. And I know what you're thinking, what a joke. But seriously for some of us, wouldn't it be nice to be able to take off our shirts in the pool or in public and not be embarrassed?
Lose Man Boobs Naturally

This is fit over 40. For everyone that wants to stay fit even as their aging. Highly recommended.
Fit Over 40
Because of this age, our age, the age of fast food, tv dinners and x-large drinks, we need to be wary of our weight. We all know what fattening foods are and how we can stay in shape, or do we? People (maybe even You) need to figure out what to eat, what is good to eat, and if necessary how to lose those extra pounds. Above all, I'll be posting some links to help you lose that extra weight. Don't be afraid to take action. Taking action is the first step to a healthier life!