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Diet tips that REALLY work

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

These really easy tips go a long way in your battle against the bulge!

Losing weight can be a challenge, especially if you have many pounds to shed. You may have tried weightloss programmes before, but have failed to lose any weight. Everyone is looking for a short cut to lose weight. However, these short cuts never work. You should never crash diet because it's a short term approach that usually fails. You need to be very patient when it comes to weightloss. But finding the time and resources to lose weight can be a challenge.

Many diets don't hold up to all their hype. The true key to losing weight and keeping it off is adopting a sustainable eating plan and then sticking with it. When it comes to weightloss, you have to lose some diet habits which you've grown accustomed to and add some items that may be new to you. Here are some tips to get you started.

Become a vegetarian

This may be a drastic lifestyle change but an effective one nonetheless. Studies have shown that a diet high in red meat consumption is often linked to obesity. If you have been an ardent non-vegetarian, then suddenly stopping meat will not help. Start with alternating between meat and vegetarian food until you are comfortable with ditching it completely.

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Smart snack

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Snack on raw veggies or a handful of nuts rather than potato chips or cookies. Scan the fast food menu for the healthier options such as salads or fruit and yoghurt, instead of cheese burgers and other fattening products.

Adopt a high-fibre diet

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Incorporate more high fibre foods into your diet. Fibre cleanses your body by binding with cholesterol and throwing it out of your system. Eating high-fibre foods can help you feel full and reduce your urge to consume empty calorie foods.

Don't completely ban food

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Some people try the approach of banning their most loved foods completely to lose weight. The fact is, in moderation, you can eat what you like. You can eat everything in moderation so that you don't feel deprived and are successful in adopting a healthy weight loss programme.

Never skip breakfast

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

You need breakfast in the morning to get you started. Studies have shown that people who skip breakfast tend to eat more food later in the day, leading to excess calorie intake.

Multiple, smaller meals are a good idea

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Small meals throughout the day help you maintain your sugar levels so you don't get hunger pangs. The idea is to keep a balanced glucose or sugar level, which helps burn fat. Long gaps between meals cause your body to store fat. Keep meals and snacks two-three hours apart.

Drink lots of water

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Drink lots of water and fluids, as they help to curb your appetite and keep you from overeating. They also keep your body hydrated, which leads to effective fat loss. Choose water over fruit juices, because they are high in calories and many juice brands contain added sugar.

Avoid processed foods

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Stop eating refined flour and white sugar because these foods increase insulin levels, which makes it difficult for your body to burn fat reserves.

Eat a light dinner

Last updated on: July 2, 2012 17:31 IST

Eat a light dinner and go to bed at least two hours after eating. This way your body gets time to properly absorb and digest the nutrients.

Finally, you must exercise. Only diet tips will not get you far. If you do not exercise regularly then you will not see results. Add a moderate exercise routine of 30 minutes to your weightloss programme and shed away those pounds.