

  The Health & Healthcare Blog  

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Want To Lose Weight? Start By Quitting Your Diet... And Never Diet Again!

What many do not realize about losing weight is that diets and other weight-loss fads will not get the long-term results you are looking for. Why? What often happens is that people who do manage to lose the weight will begin eating "normally" again, gaining all the weight back, and even more.

The reason is simple. Diets and other fads focus only on the weight loss and not on staying healthy. If you really want to lose the fat and stay trim and healthy, all you need to do is eat the rights foods. Foods rich in protein that also contain fiber will keep you feeling full and also help you maintain a normal metabolism.

The importance of protein

Protein is important to build healthy lean muscle. Starving yourself will only lower your metabolism and actually burn muscle tissue. What you really want to do is burn fat and maintain a healthy metabolism level. Foods rich in protein, such as lean meat, nuts and low-fat yogurt (choose plain and add your own fruit) will keep you feeling full, give you energy and burn as much as 35 percent of calories.

Keep moving

Even when you're not working out, you can burn more calories by moving. Sitting inactive for four hours can actually lower enzymes that control fat and cholesterol metabolism. So, keep moving. Get up from the computer, stretch and walk every hour to keep the enzymes active and the fat burning.

Don't skip breakfast

People who skip breakfast are 4.5 times more likely to be overweight. Always start the day with a healthy, hearty breakfast.

Eat more fiber

Fiber fills you up and makes you less hungry. Fiber can also increase your fat burn by as much as 30 percent. Three servings each of fruits and vegetables a day will get you started in the right direction on eating enough fiber.

Also, don't forget to drink lots and lots of water--8-12 8-oz. glasses a day. It will fill you up, keep you hydrated and improve your metabolism.