by Betsy Wright, Weight Loss Counselor



There’s a lot of information out there on how to lose weight, and it’s often really hard to figure out what works. Our staff has tried each of these tips, and we are happy to report they worked for us! Listed below are five tips to help you reach your weight loss goals:

#1: Eat a Piece of Fruit a Few Minutes Before Your Main Meal

Did you know that people who eat an apple about fifteen minutes before their main meal end up consuming an average of 187 fewer calories than when they have nothing at all? By tricking your tummy into thinking you are partially full, you are able to take the edge off your appetite and end up consuming fewer calories at your main meal.

Wait about ten minutes before starting your meal. By doing so, you will find that your appetite is markedly reduced and you won’t eat as much. The fruit will also provide fiber and help your digestion and keep your colon cleaner.

#2: Use Salad Plates Instead of Dinner Plates for Meals

This is a very effective quick weight loss tip for women, as it forces you to practice portion control. Because your plate is smaller, you won’t be able to put as much food on it, and you will discover that you actually eat less. It’s a great way to control your calorie intake, because we tend to eat all the food on our plates, regardless of the size. Try it and see for yourself – it really does work!

#3: Do Not Eat After 9 p.m. at Night

One of the biggest causes of weight gain is eating too late at night and then going to sleep soon after. If you absolutely have to eat something late, make sure it is low in calories.

The truth of the matter is that you are better off eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of sticking with the standard three meals. This is because when you don’t eat often, your body goes into what is known as “starvation mode,” as it tries to preserve its fat stores.

Your body understands that you won’t be eating very often, so it compensates by storing fat as a source of energy. Eating later in the evening or just before bed makes you gain weight because the calories you consume will be stored as fat, and when you’re sleeping you won’t be able to burn any of them off.

Middle-aged men can get rid of a pot belly in just a few weeks by following this simple rule of not eating before bed. As a matter of fact, when it comes to quick weight loss tips for men, this may be one of the best.

#4: Try Walking to Lose Weight

Going for short walks on a daily basis can be an easy and enjoyable way to take off extra pounds. Try to walk at a brisk pace if you can, as you’ll burn off more calories that way.

But be careful not to overdo it – the most important thing is to be consistent. Ten minutes every day is better than thirty minutes twice a week!

If you are too busy to exercise, then use your imagination. How about exercising at work?

For example, if you can manage to walk a few flights of stairs every day, you’ll burn more calories and the pounds will gradually come off.

#5: Drink Several Glasses of Pure Water a Day

Drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner while also cutting back on portion sizes may help people lose weight and keep it off for at least one year, according to recent research.

“As part of a prudent, low-calorie weight-loss diet, adding water may help with weight-loss success,” said Brenda Davy, professor of nutrition at Virginia Tech University. The main reason drinking water before meals appears to support weight loss is that it helps fill the stomach, making people less hungry and therefore less likely to overeat.

Water will also flush toxins from the body and allow it to function more efficiently. Digestion is also improved when there is more moisture in the colon. Most people don’t drink enough water, and the benefits of increased hydration will be seen in many ways.

The Secret to Successful Weight Loss?

The “secret” to successful weight loss is really no secret at all. You just need to be consistent and set realistic goals. Most people start off with a bang, but within a few weeks they lose their motivation to lose weight. The fundamental reason for this is that they have set their goals too high. It’s much better to take a “one day at a time” approach to becoming slim.

While diet supplements like South African Hoodia Gordonii can help to suppress appetite, they will never take the place of discipline and willpower to take off pounds and stay slim. Weight loss without dieting requires a lot of exercise, so be prepared to work hard.

Ask yourself, “What must I do today?” By dividing it up into very small and achievable daily goals, you will find that you are able to stick with your long-term diet and exercise plan. When it comes to successful weight loss tips, this might be the best one of all!

(published April 13, 2010)





