Nobody wants to hear the word 'diet'. It brings to mind many unhappy feelings and emotions and memories. It is really hard to hear the word diet around the holiday season when it is so hard to do so.
But it's not all horrible. There are numerous ways to lose pounds speedily without it being painful and it is a lot easier than one might think - if you know what you're doing.
Here are the top nine tips to lose pounds in 2009.
1. Water Most people do not drink enough water on a daily basis, but it is honestly the best way nature gives us to clean out our bodies and helps us stay slim at the same time. Drinking enough water is so easy anybody can do it. Simply drink a glass of water before every meal and every snack and you will be refreshed and you will feel fuller, too full to over eat or reach for sweets.
2. Fiber Like water, fiber makes you feel fuller and at the same time helps you to lose weight. Adding fiber to your diet will actually cause you to not have hunger pangs, making the dieting process easier. Simple foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and beans will up your fiber intake and make you fuller and slimmer.
3. Snacks Just because you're losing weight, that shouldn't mean you go without food. Feel free to snack whenever you're hungry. Your metabolism will actually speed up a little by eating more. Just be careful with the types of snacks you choose. It's always fine to snack on nuts or fruit, but you can also add a snack-size tub of low-fat yogurt or baked rice crisps. Just be sensible about your snack choices.
4. Walk Take every opportunity to walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from the store and walk the rest of the way. Stroll around the block with your dog or with a friend. Switch on your stereo and just wiggle to the music.
5. Grilled not Fried Switch to grilling food instead of frying. Grilling is not only easier and less time consuming, it's healthier and contains far fewer calories.
6. Side Dishes We have been groomed to believe that meals are not complete without fries on the side. Instead of eating fries, eat a simple and healthy salad or steamed veggies.
7. Processed Foods Pre-packaged chicken and ham slices may be convenient and easy, but they are hardly healthy. That is because these options have high levels of salt. Salt makes your body retain fluid and makes it harder for you to stay slim. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods, and instead by fresh options whenever you can.
8. Keep It Lean You can still eat red meat or poultry, just be sure to buy the leanest cuts you can find. Trim off any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken and then grill your meat to keep the goodness in and the fat levels down.
9. Meal Replacement Meal replacement diets are quick and easy, and can keep you slim. All you have to do is eat a pre-prepared meal in place of you breakfast, lunch or dinner. These meals are available through a variety of companies and take the guess work out of diet planning.
Remember these simple rules and you will be slimmer and happier in 2009.
Author Resource:
Author Dorthy Weatherbush helps everyday people shed pounds and keep them off through exercise regimes and diet programs like Medifast to trim unwanted pounds. Read Dorthy's review of the Medifast weight loss plan.