Many diets boast dramatic weight loss each week if we just follow their simple rules. But how much weight loss is too much? What levels of weight loss are safe for us to use regularly?
Safe Weight Loss: The Numbers
Doctors suggest losing no more than 2 pounds each week. While that number might seem awfully small, it’s interesting to know that any weight lost after a couple of pounds is only fluid loss. Fluid lost is rapidly gained back. The key to healthy weight loss is a balanced diet, regular exercise and a positive attitude.
A Balanced Diet
Dieting involves consuming balanced, moderately portioned meals. It takes creativity and a time commitment, but it can be fun. Gone are the days when dieting meant drinking shakes for two meals and eating carrot sticks and lettuce for dinner. Today, dieting is a commitment to healthy, fresh food and new ways of cooking. A balanced diet should be high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Head to the farmers market or explore the produce section of your grocery store. Be adventurous and go to a Mediterranean or Mexican foods store. Try one new ingredient every week, or every day if you’re adventurous. Cookbooks are a great source of exciting food combinations. You can find books tailored to low calorie diets, ethnic foods, vegetarian ideas and many more.
Exercise
While the word exercise may bring to mind pink spandex and leotards, exercise today is anything but that. If anything, you may have more choices than ever when it comes to exercise. Gyms offer yoga, Pilates, tai chi and all sorts of exciting and fun classes. If you’re sick of the gym, get outside! Head to the park with your kids, take the dog for a jog, or play charades instead of watching TV. Exercise is a mindset, an attitude and a way of life. Think of working towards a long term solution of having an active lifestyle.
Positive Attitude
The underlying message here is all about attitude. Work to change your mindset and how you think of the words “diet” and “exercise.” Dieting does not mean eating lettuce for every meal. Exercise doesn’t mean sweating it out in the same way every day. Get creative with your options. The right mind-set can do things no exercise regimen or diet plan could ever do. By keeping a healthy, positive attitude, exercise can be no more daunting that any other task you face in a day.
Healthy weight loss involves dedication and focus, but with a little creativity, it can be fun too. The right combination of diet, exercise and attitude are all it takes to get on the path towards a healthier you.
Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.
