Weight Loss Tips

 Before I begin this short article, let me tell you that I know this is a very controversial topic.  If you look up weight loss online, you will find hundreds of news and articles on the subject. Nevertheless, here is my two cents on weight loss for what it’s worth.

Even though I am very close to my ideal body weight after having lost over 50 pounds in the past year, I am still one of those millions of people in this country who are interested in weight loss. However, I think I have hit upon a permanent solution to this vexing problem.

I have learned the hard way that there is little hope of losing weight for good if you do not make significant changes in your diet and lifestyle. In fact, you must make sacrifices that are not unlike those that an addict must make in order to kick a bad habit. You might also have to change your philosophy of life by asking yourself these questions: Do I let food manage my life, or do I manage food in my life?

 In my view, we are fortunate to live in a country where most of us can choose the food we eat. All you have to do is become informed and educated on what kinds of food can cause health problems and avoid them. Those same foods are usually the ones that make you fat and keep you in that condition permanently, so that no matter how much you exercise, take supplements, medications, or fast, the excessive weight remains unchanged.

In my opinion, these are the most important changes you must make if you want to lose weight permanently:

1.       Avoid gluten-containing foods such as bread, most grains, and pastries.

2.       Avoid dairy products such as cow’s milk and its derivatives.

3.       Cut down on the sugar content in your diet.

4.       Eat lots of vegetables and some fruits in moderation.

5.       Eat non-processed meats, eggs, fish, and poultry in moderation.

6.       Substitute saturated fats for most commercial vegetable oils.

7.       Exercise three or four times a week for about 30 minutes.

8.       Drink enough water on a daily basis.

9.       Get enough sleep whenever you can.

10.   Add dietary fiber to your meals naturally or in supplemental form.

Finally, I suggest you become a good label reader, and go over the list of ingredients in any food product you consider buying. You would be surprised at how gluten, dairy, and other strange additives turn up hidden in the small print of those labels.