First of all you made an ironclad new years resolution to lose excess weight in 2005, and you don't want to make the same resolution again in 2006-similar to the one you made in 2004. In other words it is time to follow through, really lose weight, and keep it off this time! So, what has been the problem in the past? If you're like me the Holiday season added about ten pounds! The weight sneaks back like snowflakes silently falling in the middle of the night until several inches mysteriously appear. Good heavens where did all of this come from! My cloths must be shrinking!
Part of the problem is the wretched television food commercials! A person can have the best of intentions and then these evil scrumptious commercials come around and plant subconscious thoughts in one's head that just naturally steer you to the fridge, or a secret cupboard where the goodies are lurking. A simple munch now and then can't make that much difference can it? If a person takes the time to exercise instead of watching TV then one not only burns more calories, but eliminates those tempting ads as well.
Another problem can be linked to a miserably skinny spouse or someone that never seems to gain a pound no matter how much is eaten while piecing on everything all the time. So should a person avoid television and skinny people or somehow just avoid the dreaded fridge and cupboard. But lets face it if a person wasn't hungry all the time then one might not want to eat all the time.
Resolution #1 - Try to avoid processed foods and go for old-fashioned fruits and veggies.
Here are some facts. You probably are not getting the proper nutrition from all the food you eat and so you want and actually do need more. For example, celery is a good choice of something to munch on around the house. It might not sound very exciting, but it contains fiber, water, and minerals plus it is inexpensive and keep you busy munching. It actually takes more energy for your body to digest it than it provides, so it helps you lose weight. The insoluble fibers are good because they glom onto fat molecules from other fatty foods and prevent them from being metabolized. Carrots are also a good choice. It is harder for your body to break down the cell wall in carrots when they are uncooked than when they are cooked. If you have a choice of old fashioned oatmeal or processed quick oatmeal with brown sugar, go for the former. It won't spike your insulin and will take longer to digest. Also, sometimes you think you are hungry when in fact you need more water. If you are dehydrated it is extra difficult to lose weight.
Resolution #2 - Drink more water.
Your body thinks it has to hold onto any moisture and fat is mostly water. Most people don't drink enough water, this is especially true in the winter or when it is cold. Don't think that pop or diet drinks take the place of water they don't! Colas are bad news! They contain way too much sugar, caffeine, phosphoric acids, and carbonation-all are bad. If you have plenty of water in your system then your body doesn't mind giving up the fat. A co-worker of mine lost over 50 pounds in a year simply by getting a drink instead of a candy bar each time he had a craving. He was in the habit of eating goodies from the vending machine. It is good to take a break once in awhile, good to walk to the drinking fountain, good to not add the extra sugar and calories and this simple act caused him to lose weight and keep it off -that was 5 years ago.
Resolution #3 - Take the time to walk if at all possible.
Another key is exercise-the dreaded e word! Quit seeking out the very closest parking space, and deliberately park further away from the store. Enjoy the walk and the exercise from carrying the groceries a little further. Sometimes you may even save time as compared to circling the lot three times and/or waiting for someone close to pull out.
Resolution #4 - Don't become a garbage disposal.
If you're like me, you were taught that wasting food is a sin and you should always clean your plate and not throw away good food. Tell me the truth; would you rather see the food on you in to form of fat or in the garbage can? If you are in the habit of cleaning up the dishes and eating a few tidbits that the kids haven't touched don't do it, just throw it out! It all adds up. Really!
Resolution #5 - Don't succumb to temptation!
Think of how well you have done all year to lose weight and don't give yourself license to overindulge again during this year's holiday season.
Take smaller portions-of everything! Don't eat until you're full. Give your body time to tell you when it's full by eating slowly and savoring every bite. It takes about twenty minutes for your body to catch up and tell you when have had enough.
So, Get a grip on it, keep these New Year's Resolutions this time. Hang in there, you can do it!
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