How many times have you started a diet only to go off it and regain any weight you lost (or more!) Why is it so difficult to lose weight and keep it off? We know what we need to do in order to lose weight - eat less and exercise more. But this is very difficult for most us to do for a sustained period of time. It is likely that our lifestyles have something to do with it.

Here are some of the most common reasons I see for difficulty losing weight:

- Our hectic schedules lead us to grab many meals on the run
- Work long hours
- Less time to exercise
- More technology which leads to an overall decreased level of physical activity
- Eating more meals outside of the home
- Jumbo portion sizes (portion sizes have increased over 50% in the past 20 yrs)
- Looking for a “quick fix” rather than focusing on making permanent behavior changes

While the majority of people have a difficult time losing weight and keeping it off, some people are able to do it. What makes them different from the people who regain the weight? I would like to share my top 10 tips that have helped some of my clients (”successful losers”) lose weight and keep it off. I am sure you have heard some of these tips before, however a little reinforcement doesn’t  hurt!

Top 15 tips for losing weight and keeping it off

1. Be aware of what you are eating. Calories are the most important factor in weight control.

2. Set a realistic goal weight

3. Plan ahead

4. There is no one diet that works for everyone

5. Increase activity level - include cardio and weight training

6. Eat more volume based (water rich foods) food such as vegetables, fruit and soup

7. Eat breakfast

8. Include protein at meals

9. Cut back on alcohol

10. Get enough sleep

11. Avoid the all or nothing mentality

12. Eat “mini” dinners several  nights a week

13. Choose low glycemic load carbs

14. Stress management

15. Stay hydrated

For the next few weeks, I will be doing more detailed posts on each of the above tips. Stay tuned!

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• Why Do Guys Lose Weight Quicker Than Women? (0)
• When it’s No Longer a Diet (0)