Eight Simple Ways to Help You Lose Weight

If you've decided that losing weight and getting in better shape is something you'd like to pursue, choosing a diet and exercise program can be a bit daunting. With so many diets on the market, it's difficult to know which one will be right for you. Keeping that in mind, here are eight simple tips to put you on the path to weight loss, no matter what plan you eventually decide to follow. You can start on these right away!

The Veggie Trick

Mom was right – those vegetables really are good for you. All of those vitamins and minerals help to give your body energy, which will come in handy for that new exercise program you're planning! There's a handy little trick you can use with veggies, however, to get yourself in the habit of eating more of them, and less of those high-calorie items you're used to filling your plate with.

At every meal (with the possible exception of breakfast), fill your plate at least half full with vegetables before you add anything else. Salads, raw, boiled, or steamed greens – it doesn't matter what you choose, as long as your plate is half full. Not only will you end up getting all of the nutritious value from the veggies, but you'll have less room on your plate and in your belly for more fattening fare.

Keep an Eye on Your Beverages

Many people don't consider that what they drink adds to their calorie counts for the day. If you load up on sugar-laden sodas and coffee loaded with sugar and cream, you're not doing your waistline any favors. Consider switching to diet soda, skim milk, fat-free low-calorie sweeteners and whiteners for your coffee or tea, and watered down fruit juices to quench your thirst. Of course there's nothing better for your body than a good old-fashioned glass of water.

Replace White With Brown

Processed foods such as flour and rice have been stripped of much of their nutrition and "bulk". White bread and baked goods, fast-cooking rice and rolled oats, processed cereals, and pasta are all good examples of seemingly harmless foods that really don't do much to help you in your effort to lose weight. Without the nutrition of their whole-food counterparts, these offerings act as empty calories.

Try switching to whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain cereals. You'll feel more satisfied with your meals, which leads to less snacking between them. You'll also get the added benefit of the nutrition and fiber in the whole grain foods that aid in weight loss.

Find a "Busy" Hobby

If you have a lot of spare time on your hands or spend your evenings watching television, your hands are free to scoop high-calorie snack foods into your mouth at will. Watching commercials on TV for the latest snack foods or fast food offerings can trigger cravings for unhealthy food, and it's not uncommon for quick trips to the kitchen to occur between dinner and bed time. Stave off these temptations with some busy work!

Take up sewing or knitting, or try your hand at writing. Teach yourself how to use some new computer program, or how to create graphics. Even better, get outside for an evening walk, or use that treadmill or stationary bike that's been collecting dust in the corner of your basement. The more time and energy you focus on something that you're really interested in, the less time you'll be spending in the kitchen.

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