Tips for Smart Weight Loss

Losing weight is not rocket science. It's based on burning more calories than we take in. Sounds simple, right? In this age of 'clean-your-plate, super-size-it mentality,' it can be very difficult to exercise control over our eating. Many working people eat fast foods every day for lunch and buy fast foods for the family at least a couple of times a week. Our schedules call for quick and convenient, so it's no wonder that we choose boxed, canned, pre-packaged or fast foods. These foods contain more sodium, fillers and sugars, which not only cause us to gain weight, but also contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even Type II diabetes. The key to losing weight, however, is to eat fresh meats and vegetables and to stay away from fast foods and soft drinks. One suggestion for busy people, would be to choose one time out of the month to cook and freeze two substantial meals for each week in the month. If there are any leftovers, some sort of potluck, soup or chili can be prepared for the remainder of the week. And then a nice salad, complete with protein (cheese or meat), nuts, dried cranberries and some beautiful salad greens once a week are a delicious break from our standard meals. Keep the menus as exciting as possible and stay away from fried foods and sodium. Don't deprive yourself, however. Definitely use some of the many sodium-free seasonings to keep your food tasty and interesting. You have to enjoy what you eat. If you have a taste for something sweet, for instance, find some recipes to make your own low-calorie, delicious dessert, or choose a regular sized candy bar instead of a large chunk of double chocolate cake. If you have a taste for potato chips, choose one of the 100 calorie brands of baked chips on the market today. There are also 100 calorie cookies that are very good. Just don't eat 4 bags or it defeats the purpose! Make smart choices about 'cheating.' Diets don't work, so you have to make up in your mind that you will choose to have a healthy eating life-style, which includes eating something fried or sweet NOW AND THEN. Eating should be very gratifying and provide nutrients to our bodies. Be choosy about what you put into your 'temple' because it should make your body feel good! Healthy eating!!