Weight Loss Tips for Long Term Success
Congratulations. The fact that you are reading this probably means that you are keen to look after your health and investigate some new ways to lose weight.
If you’ve tried numerous weight loss plans without success, unfortunately you’re not alone. There is a growing number of Aussies struggling to maintain a healthy weight and it’s a battle that shouldn’t have to be fought so hard.
The problem is partly the result of an abundance of junk or calorific processed food in our society. Cheaper than sticking with wholesome, nourishing food, high fat processed food is easily accessible and it’s addictive! According to a recent study using rats and published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, overconsumption of high-calorie food can trigger addiction-like responses in the brain and can turn rats into compulsive eaters. For years scientists have been observing the same behaviour in humans, especially when it comes to sugar and refined carbohydrates.
But that’s only the half of it.
As a nation, Australia’s top sport happens to be couch sitting. Yes, we are become more sedentary which makes us heavier, which in turn makes weight loss increasingly more difficult. In 2009-10 a massive 36% of Australians aged 15 and over participated in no sport physical recreation which is pretty concerning.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. By making some simple lifestyle changes you will soon be on the road to sustainable weight loss.
Weight loss tips:
Log your food and exercise - Use a food diary or IPHONE app and record your every mouthful. That way you will be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth and more easily able to see where you are going wrong.
Get Moving - do 30 minutes of some physical activity every day. Low intensity exercise like walking is best for weight loss. Right now 28% of Australians walk for exercise making it the most popular recreational activity ahead of aerobics (14%) and swimming (7%). The objective for health professionals is to get these percentages to rise!
Veg it up - Vegetables are great for weight loss and good health. Try to fill half the plate with vegetables and chose different colours to obtain a variety of vitamins.
Pump it up with protein - choose lean cuts of meat every time. Eat plenty of fish and try vegetarian protein options like tofu and legumes.
Lift weights - the more muscle mass you have the higher your resting metabolism becomes. Do 2-3 times per week for best results. See how you go following these simple steps towards a healthier you.You’ll be glad you did.