by Jennifer Lim

Created on: January 06, 2010   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

Losing weight can be a struggle for many. Some of us want a quick fix weight loss program, others don’t seems to be able to follow through a diet plan and many get discouraged when they find little or no improvement in their body shape after a few weeks.

Is there a better way to weight loss?  Yes, there is. It does not solely involve taking diet pills, appetite suppressant, fat blockers, fat burners or exercise. An effective weight loss program is one where you are in control; it should not make you feel like it’s a chore.

Before embarking on a weight loss program, it is important to have the right mindset. That is, take your time. Many people who rushes through their diet plan often don’t follow through the whole process and end up eating more. A good weight loss program should help you lose weight gradually and healthily. Here are some weight loss tips:

Eat healthily, reduce your meal intake but do not go on a diet. There is a saying that goes like this: eat till you are 70% full. Don’t overload your plate with food. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Do food combining. I found the food combining diet to be very effective for losing body fat.. By not eating protein and carbohydrate in the same meal, I am helping my stomach to digest the food more effectively. Alongside food combining, eat food high in carbohydrates for lunch and protein food for dinner. This is because least energy is expended in the night and in my opinion, the benefits from carbohydrates will not be utilised effectively and could turn into fat. Drink before and after eating to give you a feeling of fullness. This will prevent you from snacking in between meals. Help your body to naturally fight obesity with natural health supplements. I believe in the effectiveness in some of these herbal weight loss supplements. Super fruits like Gogi berriesand Resveratrol from grapes have been used for centuries by people for its health benefits. Goji berries with its high fibre content moderates blood sugar levels and is rich in nutrients that help to convert food into energy. Resveratrol which is found in grapes can help people to lose weight by triggering the body’s natural fat burning process.  It works by activating the SirT1 gene in our body, sending a calorie restriction signal to the brain which in turn breaks down stored fat and increase our energy level. Resveratrol help increase in the body metabolic rate, make us feel more energetic and eventually help us to reduce weight naturally. Exercise daily. Target your exercise on areas which you want to reduce such as stomach, hips and thigh. Do daily waist rotation for about 100 rounds (both ways) is a good way to tone the muscles around the waistline. Make exercise fun by joining a dance class or engaging in group sports activities. Aerobic exercise, swimming, walking, cycling and leg lifts are effective whole body exercise that will also help you get rid of body fat. Make your exercises last for more than 30 minutes to effectively activate the fat burning process. Stay hydrated. Drinking at least eight glasses of water will help your body flush out toxins and boost metabolic rate. Give yourself a treat once in a while especially after you have reached a desired weight. This way, you can still have your favourite food.

Whichever weight loss program you choose, it has to be something you are comfortable with. Of course, losing weight is never easy; it takes lots of discipline and will power to exceed. Customise you own weight loss program. Let it become your habit and you can be confident that you will be able to maintain your ideal weight and be the picture of health that your friends will be envious of.

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