For many of us our excess fat is becoming a burden on our bodies and is increasing our likelihood of health problems and a shorter life. While that should be our primary motivation for losing weight, the truth is that many of us want to lose weight to look slimmer, more attractive and downright sexy! Whatever is motivating you - and probably it is a bit of both - here are 6 tips to keep in mind when you are planning your “Slim and Healthy” campaign. These tips can super charge your efforts!

1. Eat 4 to 5 Smaller Meals Each Day

No skipping meals, particularly breakfast. If you skip breakfast, your body will be worried that there won’t be enough food. So it will go into survival mode and hoard fat. By eating a meal or a snack every 3 to 4 hours you reassure your body and it keeps your metabolism at a higher level throughout the day…burning more calories. Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. In fact, don’t eat any large meals – just smaller meals.

2. Eat Protein and Some Dairy

Researchers found people who eat more protein lose more body fat than those eating more carbohydrates. Makes sense. You use protein to build lean muscles.

A study of women dieters found those who included dairy products in their diet lost more weight than those who didn’t. Now don’t go overboard though. Make sure the dairy products you eat are low fat.

Cut back on carbohydrates, sugars and fats. You will notice after eating a meal with white flour, white rice, white pasta, or potatoes that you don’t feel very energetic. Your metabolism has been lowered.

Remember variety is important in any diet to ensure you are ingesting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to properly function.

3. Water, Water Everywhere — and Lots to Drink

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. It helps to keep a large water bottle beside you at your work place. Water flushes out the fat derivatives as the fat is broken down. It also helps with digestion, assimilation of food, waste removal and the elimination of toxins.

4. Get 7 Hours Sleep a Night

A research study found that women who get 7 hours sleep a night typically weigh less than women who only get 5 to 6 hours. They don’t know why this is.

5. Exercise (that double 4-letter word!)

Exercise increases our body temperature and this suppresses our appetite. Our metabolic rate remains increased for several hours after the exercise so more calories are burned..

Aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc. works to exercise your heart and lungs. Get out every day if possible. It doesn’t have to be done in one big burst of energy. Incorporate several energetic episodes into your day. Set a long-term goal to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, or all, of the days of the week.

Strength building exercises. These increase you muscle mass. This helps by increasing your metabolism. Plus, muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells…a lot more calories. Weight training will give you a slim athletic-looking body, not bulging muscles unless you really train for that. In particular, many woman need to increase their upper body muscle strength. This helps your heart.

6. Plan Your Meals and Shop Ahead

It is important to set out your food plan and ensure you have the foods at hand. Don’t sabotage yourself. Shop carefully so you are prepared. Write your menu out. Find low fat, low sugar recipes and experiment with spices. Buy low calorie salad dressings or make your own. Read the labels on the packages you buy. Know how many calories, fat grams and sugar it contains.

Reserve one day a week when you treat yourself but keep the quantity down. You don’t have to deprive yourself of food you enjoy. Just reduce your portion by 25% or more from what you would have eaten previously. Enjoy the taste. Roll the food around in your food and really experience it.

Establish a habit of eating healthy foods that you like. It has been said that it takes 21 days to establish a habit. Once you have, you will find yourself enjoying the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your taste for sugar and fat will be almost gone. You will also enjoy the feel of your slimmer body and having more energy to enjoy your life.

You Can Do It

Hilary Stewardson has researched information on losing weight and losing it quickly. These weight loss tips and articles can be found at http://www.lose-weight-fast-site.com

Author: Hilary Stewardson