The following article is one of a series of articles which focus on Self Improvement, Motivation and Empowerment. It is based on research done over twenty years as a personal and business coach. This self improvement article was written in response to questions which have been asked on exercising, keeping fit,losing weight and long term weight loss as well as address common challenges that people have with this subject. I sincerely hope that you find the following information of value.
Weight Loss: Safe and Effective Long Term Weight Loss Planning
When you think about all natural weight loss plans, do you think that this is exactly what I want but it sounds too good to be true. Can it be possible to reduce fat, lose weight, and look and feel absolutely great without
- following the latest dieting trends
- being forced into an unnatural diet
- taking dangerous drugs
Yes! Not only is it possible but the only way to ensure safe and effective long term weight loss is to have a plan.
You have to set some goals, realistic goals and see them through. Yes, it will take perseverance and patience but you know as well as I do it will be worth it. The alternative is that we do not achieve the weight loss we are after and end up being more miserable than we were to start with.
There is no such a thing as fast weight loss. You cannot take a pill and get rid of all the excess weight and the fat deposits in a matter of weeks. Our bodies just do not work this way.
In order to help you lose weight effectively and safely, to have a good long term weight loss plan, please consider the following...
Exercise
The idea of the need to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle is certainly not new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30-minute sessions per week.
The good news, as far as I am concerned, is that recent research has shown that three 10-minute sessions in a day are as good as one 30-minute session. It is good news for me because I love the benefits that exercise brings but it can be so boring. That is why I prefer a number of short sessions instead of one long one.
The goal of exercise for weight loss is to burn more calories, although exercise offers many other benefits as well. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of your activities.
Even though regularly scheduled aerobic exercises are best for losing fat, any extra physical activity helps burn calories. And since lifestyle-related activities may be easier to fit into your day, think about ways you can increase your physical effort. For example, instead of taking the car, I now walk to the local shops and supermarket. Apart from the actual walking, carrying the bags back up the hill to our house is paying off. I have to admit, however, the walk back home is certainly not as brisk.
Stay focused on health and well being, not on becoming thin.
Many people become more successful at long-term weight loss when their motivation changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. In fact, consider your whole lifestyle from the viewpoint of being and staying healthy.
So, what are we talking about?
Variety. To help your levels of patience and perseverance, To help you achieve your goals, make sure you get enough variety in your new eating regime. Thought through properly, variety also maintains levels of nutrition and taste.
Adopting a new eating regime that promotes weight loss must include lowering your total calorie intake. But decreasing calories doesn't mean giving up taste or satisfaction. One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods - fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition.
Weight Loss Pills
If you are considering weight loss pills, don't try those advertised as "fat burners" or other nonsense of this kind. There are plant extracts out there that can help you reduce the sensation of hunger and bind some of the fat in your meals so you get the benefit of a more relaxed approach and maintaining a positive attitude.
This is vital.
A good positive attitude is essential for your success. A positive attitude will help you have patience, persevere and not push to see fast results. Of course fast results are possible but, without long term weight loss planning, fast weight loss will only result in gaining back all the fat and then some more - result misery.
Finding sensible, safe and long term methods of weight loss and weight maintenance takes a lot of research which we have done and continue to do so that we can provide these informative and motivational articles to help you move forward and realize your personal goals and aspirations even if you have been overweight or out of shape for years
Why struggle with losing weight when all the weight loss research has already been done for you?
