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Practically anyone can lose weight. But those who keep it off are a
rare species. Theirs is not an entirely mysterious phenomenon - they
stay slim by maintaining the behaviours that got them there. They
eat healthier foods, decrease portion sizes and exercise. But how
exactly do they keep it up? The answer suggests a psychological
overhaul as much as a physical one.
Start now to change your life
Losing weight to gain better health
and more energy is not just a question of eating less. You need the
full armoury of weapons of fat destruction if you are to win the
battle! Your total commitment involves both mind and body. Diet
alone is not enough to solve weight problems permanently. Physical
activity and your mental commitment to the task are equally
important
It is easier than you think – all
you need to do is E.A.T.
E =Eat differently by
making healthier food choices
A= Act differently by starting a regular exercise routine
T = Think differently by changing your behaviour and
staying motivated
How the body
puts on weight
We all need to eat to live, but many
people eat more than they need because food is so enjoyable. Which
would be fine if they burned off the calories. The trouble is a
sedentary lifestyle and habitually eating too much without making
any adjustments at other times result in weight gain that can lead
to obesity. If you eat only the amount of food that your body needs,
you burn it off and you don’t gain weight. If you eat more calories
than you burn, however, the extra energy is stored, first in the
liver and then (when the store space in the liver is full) in
different parts of the body in the form of fat.
It’s a simple rule
(Calories in = calories out) = no weight gain
(Calories in=less calories out) = weight gain
Fill up or
fuel up
Eating to lose weight is all about
choosing the right fuel for your engine. If you fill up on high-fat,
high-sugar, and high-salt foods you will be sluggish and slow-going
nowhere. But if you choose nutritious, healthy foods, you’ll be
lean, mean machine, with enviable bodywork and a well oiled gearbox.
Get the balance right and you’ll soon be revving your engine ready
to keep burning off calories.
January 2007 |
