by A. C. O'Brien

Created on: November 20, 2011   Last Updated: March 21, 2012

So you want to loose weight, or at least not gain any more. Here are a few tips ot help you stay on track:

Tip 1 - You need water

It is an essential component of your health. Too little water can lead to many health problems, the first and foremost being weight gain. When you are always slightly dehydrated you loose the ability to feel thirsty until you are actually pretty severely dehydrated.

You also learn to misinterpret thirst as hunger. When this, 'hunger,' urges your body to take in more food, you still have the underlying thirst. It stays because you have not taken in enough water to resolve the bodies need for water yet.

Water aids digestion, improves the appearance of your skin, and keeps your joints and muscles working at their best. Water should be the most important part of your weight loss plan so be sure to get in those eight glasses every day.

Tip 2 - Chewing our food takes time

It is a step in eating that we often short change. If you chew food well enough it will satisfy your hunger better then if you wolf down the food without chewing or half chewing it. Your food should be a thick, smooth liquid before you swallow it.

Give yourself enough time to eat and to chew. Do not take your meals while driving or working. Focus only on your meal and chew it properly until is is liquified, You should chew each bite at least 25 to 50 times. If the food in your mouth still has it's texture, it is not yet ready to swallow.

Allowing your saliva to mix well with your food as you chew, will also improve your digestion and lessen your hunger. Eat in a quiet, relaxing place, it will allow you to better focus on your meal.

Tip 3 - Take smaller bites

Your food bite should be no bigger then the pink area of your thumb nail, no larger. The smaller bites will allow you to better enjoy your food and to feel full when your stomach is full so you will stop eating when you have had enough. This will improving your awareness of your food and taking smaller bites will allow you to chew your food better. Pay attention to that 'fullness' sensation. Respect it, it will let you know when you have had enough.

Tip 4 - Walk

Do not take the car to the mail box to mail a letter, walk. Walk to the local park instead of driving. If you are bringing your children to the park, they can walk too. You will be setting a good example and forming healthy habits for them along the way and helping to keep their weight in check.  When you walk instead of driving, not only will you be

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>