Why Is It Difficult To Lose Weight?

The experts tell us that is is simple to diet - there is no ideal diet on the market except the one that tells us to move our bodies more and to consume fewer calories. This article will set the record straight and outline a few basic facts on weight loss.

Why do we want to lose weight ? It has a lot to do with our self esteem and our self-image. Why is it not just a simple equation ? In a way it is very simple - we have to move more and eat less. But the simplicity ends there because we all process and metabolize food at diffrent rates. We will be heartened by the good news in that we are less likely to have heart attack or a stroke if we are successful in losing weight.

Now for some bad news - well ,let us be realistic. Most people think that losing weight is an impossible task that is really impossible to complete. Ninety-five percent of those who lose weight will regain it within a few years, according to Harvard Health Reports. I think that every one of us has the inner resources to get what we want - it is simply a question of 'want power'. If you WANT to have a slimmer body, then you will get it. Psychologically we have to keep a can-do attitude.

Traditionally Americans are famous for large portions of proteins and carbs. They have been convinced that's what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle! How wrong can they be! As waistlines increase and obesity stalks the land, it is time to rethink our attitudes to food.

The first basic rule of weight loss is that you have to eat less than you burn up through movement and exercise. Now it does not matter where the calories come from ( i.e. carbohydrates, proteins or fats). How can you do that ? Here are some tips :- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. You can also make some smart choices when it comes to salad dressings and cheeses just by simply choosing the low-fat option. Breakfast is a great place to start - here you can choose low-fat milk and yogurt, eggs and lean meat such as diced chicken.

A group of researchers at the University of Colorado recently published some good news. They have been tracking successful weight losers , i.e. those who managed to lose at least 60 pounds and were successful in keeping it off for five years! Another group of researchers with the National Weight Control Registry found that the success stories were those people who managed to keep their daily intake of calories to around the 1,400 level. More good news is that in many major US cities (New York included), restaurants are obliged to publish the calorie information on their menus.

What about exercise, I hear you ask? It does not have to be a strenuous workout such as high impact aerobics - walking is just as good. For example, if you walk for 20 minutes a day, you could over a period of a month, lose up to one pound. Exercising with weights or strength training is a great way to keep fit, protect bone density and thereby avoid osteoporosis. Even people over 65 are recommeneded to do stregth training or some form of it , as we tend to lose muscle tissue as we age.

You will always feel in a better mood after any form of exercise. This is due to the 'feel-good' endorphins which are released when we do any physical activity. This is a great aid to motivation and will encourage you to keep at it. As regards choosing the right diet, try The Mediterranean Diet - it has been studied all over the world as a model for healthy eating.

1. Prev:How To Maintain Your Weight Over Christmas And Holiday
2. Next:Try These Easy Weight Loss Tips