Weight Loss and Feeling Better

You will find that you will really need to keep reminding yourself of what to eat, how to eat, and when to eat. Eating plenty of protein and fiber is a great way to eat, and feel full. Always check with your doctor before you start any type of eating or exercise plan.

Some basic rules to follow are:

1. Eat Regularly. Don't skip any meals. If you go to long without eating, your body can become shakey, your blood sugar could drop down too low and may cause overeating when you do eat. Try to eat at least six meals a day. Make your meals smaller (using a smaller plate helps), just eat more often and try not to eat in the evening after dinner.

2. Increase the amount of water you drink. You should drink at least 8 - 8oz. glasses of water a day. Not drinking enough water will cause constipation. Your stool will get dry, and increase in size. Fiber absorbs water so it is very important to drink lots and lots of water.

3. Try to take a nice walk everyday. Carry along plenty of water to drink on the way. Walking is a great way to exercise, relieve stress, and get some great fresh air.

4. Reduce the amount of caffeine. Cut back on the amount of all caffeinated drinks, especially coffee. Coffee is very acidic, can increase insulin levels and can also have a negative affect on your sleep.

5. Always make sure you check the ingredients of your food. You want to stay away from artificial sweeteners, trans fats, sugar, and white flour.

6. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make sure you start your day off right by eating breakfast that is high in fiber and high in protein. Oatmeal with fruit is a good suggestion and also eggs.

7. Don't eat while you are cooking. A small taste test is fine, but avoid standing in the kitchen while you are waiting for your food to be ready. If you have kids and they did not "clean their plate", don't "clean it" for them! Wrap it up right away or just throw it away. The extra food is better in the trash then on your body!

8. Eat slow. Chew each bite at least 25 times. The slower you eat, the sooner you will feel full. If you gulp your food down, you won't realize you are full until it is too late and you have eaten way to much and now feel so stuffed and uncomfortable.

9. Eat your veggies! Vegetables contain antioxidants, fiber and nutrients that are so good for you! You should include vegetables with all of your meals.

10. Everyone enjoys going out to eat. But, you will need to be careful of what you choose. Burgers are fine, just ask your server to omit the bun. It is also best to tell your server not to put "the bread" on your table! Not having it right there in front of you makes it so much easier than having just a piece here and a piece there until your meal comes. Also be careful of the sauces, and dressings that the restaurant uses. A suggestion would be to use vinegar for your salad and mustard or no sugar ketchup for your meat or fish. You would be surprised at how much fat and sugar are in sauces.

11. Enjoy yourself! Have fun with this. Remember, weight loss is good for you and as you see and feel your pounds melting away, look at yourself in the mirror! Congratulate yourself! And also, it is ok to cheat now and then! Don't feel guilty about it. Just tell yourself that you are doing such a great job and you deserved it!

Nikki Canyon is a staff writer for Weightloss Calorie Express(tm). Read more of Nikki's articles at: Weightloss.CX