Healthy Weight Loss Tips

How do we lose weight, those unwanted pounds, without compromising our health in the process? This seems to be the paramount issue in the minds of most people today in the face of the rising incidence of obesity.

The proliferation of weight loss diet programs, pills and supplements, and workout equipment, is an indication of the urgency to address this problem of epidemic proportions which has given birth to a very huge niche market. 

The high-protein diet programs, like the Atkins, South Beach, and more recently, the Dukan diet, are attempts to offer a solution to this concern. So are the various appetite suppressants, faddish slimming pills, and exercise and workout programs like Zumba, which is fast catching fire in various parts of the planet.

For me, the best way to tackle obesity is to first look at its root causes, and then, to work out the best possible program that can address these.

I strongly believe that obesity, just like type 2 diabetes, is a nutrition problem that is best solved with proper nutrition. With the right foods, your "battle of the bulge" is already almost certainly won. 

As a first step, I dare you to avoid all foods made from refined flour and sugar, and processed foods which abound in supermarket shelves including the sodas, whether regular or diet. There is a mountain of evidence pointing to these food categories as the main culprits in the obesity epidemic. I know it will be very difficult for many to turn your backs on foods which you have been used to and desire most, but it is a very crucial and necessary first move which you should be willing to take. With sheer determination, it can be done. Otherwise, you can forget about parting with your unsightly flab.

As much as possible, stick to foods in its closest natural form. Opt for a balance of lean meat, vegetables, and fruits, in your diet. You cannot go on an exclusively vegan diet because it will make you deficient in some very necessary nutrients found in meat. [read:Vegan Diet Has Its Downside] Use Stevia or honey if you have a need for a sweetener.

In between meals, go for fruits or nutritious nuts, specifically walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, to satisfy your hunger pangs. [read: Nuts - Battle Of The Bulge] Btw, develop the habit and love for green tea as your drink of choice. It is a natural superb fat fighter and proven weight loss aid, aside from being an excellent antioxidant.

Regular jogging or brisk walking for at least 30 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week, can help a lot in bringing down or maintaining your weight and improving your total health. This is the best free activity available to weight and health watchers. 

If you are on medication and you continue to add on weight despite sticking to the recommended diet and exercise mentioned above, consult with your doctor about the possibility of changing your medicines. Substantial weight gains have been blamed on some prescription drugs used for treating mood disorders, seizures, migraines, diabetes, and even high blood pressure. Ditto with some oral contraceptives, steroids, and hormone replacement therapy. 

Most people have the common misconception that skipping breakfast and sticking to two regular meals daily would result in weight loss. A recent study, however, debunks this myth. Study participants who skipped breakfast during childhood and adulthood were found to have bigger love handles than those who ate breakfast. Scientific and anecdotal evidence also show that eating fewer calories is entirely useless for weight control goals in the long run.

For those whose day won't be complete without a drink, I have good news for you. A new study reveals that drinking beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks, has health benefits, including losing weight. [read: Rejoice, Beer Drinking Is Healthy!]

You can craft your own weight loss programs with the aforementioned information. Very crucial to its success are the right diet and the regular physical activities that go into your program. Your weight loss plan doesn't have to be expensive in order to succeed. It just has to be guided and based on logical, scientific, and proven facts. People have done it successfully, including this author, so I see no reason why others can't. The only reason I can see for failure is lack of determination and interest, aka, laziness.