This question is asked by many people at some point in their lives. As we get older we become heavier as our bodies change or our lifestyle changes. Our metabolism slows down. We slow down and as we do, we gain weight.
Many diets are suggested to help us reduce this excess weight and for some people they will work, but be aware that some diets are dangerous as they are lacking in proper nutrients that our bodies need. They may also be boring or expensive which is why many people don't stay on them for a long time.
If you really want to lose weight, there are some steps that you can incorporate into your life now which will let you reduce weight at a slow sustainable pace.
To start, you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These are low in calories (usually) and contain fibre which gives you a full feeling. They also contain vitamins and other elements essential not only for weight loss but for overall good health.
Drinking water is another key to weight loss. Water again, fills you up so you won't eat as much during your meals. Water also helps the body to flush out any toxins and waste that your body produces.
You should also eat protein, mainly from meats. Protein is essential for good health and helps build lean muscle which burns fat in your body. Muscles work harder which means that they require more energy which can be produced from your body's fat store.
Avoiding some types of carbohydrates is also a good strategy to help you lose weight. Now you do need some carbohydrates in your diet as well as some fat as they help the body to function properly. Too many carbohydrates such as bread, cereals and many snack foods are not the type of carbohydrates that your body needs.
You also need to exercise when on your weight loss plan. This doesn't need to be strenuous exercise, simple brisk walking is fine as long as you do it for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. A walk after dinner or walking to work or school would be okay. If that is not possible, then just walking whenever the opportunity presents itself would be okay.
Keeping a weight loss journal is a very good idea to help you lose weight. Many people are unaware of what they eat on a daily basis. By keeping a journal, you can see what foods need to be replaced by healthier choices.
By following these steps you can lose the weight you want and these changes can become a part of the necessary lifestyle changes that you can keep for a long time.
