Advice on losing weight safely and effectively?

[Anonymous]

I know this probably isn't the place to be posting but I've tried everywhere else and the stuff suggested is far from helpful. Been trying to lose weight for ages and still haven't managed to succeed. I'm trying to do it for myself and my confidence so that I can go out and look at clothes that I feel I can't wear and actually wear them, look good in them and feel good about myself. I'm not seriously overweight, but I could do with a bit of work.

I was also thinking that maybe I could get some photographs done when I achieve my ideal weight, like stuff in lingerie and all that, just as a sort of reminder and confidence boost on the days I'm feeling a bit low. Any one think that's a good idea? Thanks for your advice.

[ThenThereWas1]

The key is to be consistent. A lot of people start off enthusiastically, but then dwindle in their commitment to losing weigh. (Which is understandable because it is not an easy thing to do) I'm not very overweight, but I'm trying to lose 10 pounds or so that I gained when I stopped going to the gym. I'm not on a diet, but I try to make healthy choices. It's also important to watch your portions, because eating too much of anything isn't good for you. But never ever ever try to eat less calories than a person is supposed to have in a day. Even cutting down to 1000 per day isn't good for you. And actually, if you don't get all the calories you need, you could end up gaining weight! Because your body will start holding on to every calorie you have if its not getting the amount it needs. A lot of people make the mistake of cutting fat out of their diet completely, but the body still needs a little each day. I don't mean junk food fat, but fat from things like an avocado--things with nutrients. I generally work out for around an hour at a time, sometimes its a little more or less. And I do a lot of cardio, and exercises that tone my legs, butt, abs, and arms. Muscle tone is just as relevant as cardio because the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism gets (and the more calories you burn woo hoo!). I'd also suggest finding a friend to work out with you, because its so much more fun that way! Some days I feel like I just can't do it so I call up a friend to do it with me and provide some motivation. I'm sorry this is just one paragraph of miscellaneous information, but I just kinda got on a role and one thought spurred off into another. I hope some part of this helps!

[metallica129]

I sugest wieght watchers, I used to wieght 145, now I wieght 120. Its a slow and steady pace, and working out rewards you with more points to eat. The number one key to a diet, is don't deprive your self of the "goodies" for example, be good for a whole entire week! than treat your self to a milk shake :) you know what I mean?

[Prof_Don]

In terms of losing weight, the idea is "slow & steady". Weight loss, @ no more than 1-2lbs a week, is ideal for keeping it off & maintaining muscle mass. Muscle mass is a huge factor in base metabolism. Use this link as your guide, using your target (not current) weight, & "rarely" as your activity level.

When it comes to food, use this link as your guide regarding what to eat. These 12 categories of food are based on a few basic principles:

1) eating a balance of "good" (as in minimal-to-no processing) carbs, fat & protein, rather than eliminating one of them altogether

2) making sure each food you eat has substantial nutritional value

(as in vitamins / minerals / phytochemicals / antioxidants)

Hopefully I was able to help. You can PM me if you want. :)

[new001]

If you eat too much, I suggest drinking a large glass of water or two before every meal. It's not that hard or painful to do, and you will automatically eat less and still feel full after each meal. Make sure you have complete meals with all the nutrients you need though.

Try not to eat after your last meal of the day. You have to train your body's internal clock to not feel hungry late at night. After a while you won't feel as hungry. Don't eat desserts. If you have a craving for sugar, eat sugar-free gum, sugar-free soda or sugar-free jell-o.

Also, get good sleep and be consistent with your diet. Don't skip meals as this will just slow down your metabolism and make you burn less calories.

Hope that helped :)

[thoronmegil]

DON'T:

Diet

use "supplements"

obsess over it

shoot for huge amounts of loss each week

DO:

eat healthy

exercise regularly (but DON'T overwork your body)

Shoot for 1-3 pounds a week. Any more than that (unless you're overweight) is unhealthy

Source: my friend, a trainer and nutritionist.

[smexiliciousss]

Safely, and effectively = fairly slowly

Avoid JUnk food at all costs, and excercise