Do you find yourself quickly losing weight when you try out a new diet plan, only to find that you gain the weight back just as quickly? Do you change diets as often as some people change their bed sheets? Yo-yo dieting is detrimental not just to your dieting goals but also to your health!
A constantly fluctuating diet and body weight can actually be damaging to your health and your metabolism. It is completely normal for dieters to lose weight quickly at first, and then level out and lose weight steadily but slowly. Exercise can create the same effect - as your sore muscles fade, so will rapid weight loss.
The body is not designed to continually shed excess pounds. When you allow your body to lose weight slowly and steadily, your body learns to adjust to the new healthier weight. This allows your body to lose fat while gaining muscle mass, which is what will ultimately help you look good in that bikini. You must condition your body to become healthier, while also conditioning yourself to make healthy eating a habit and not just a fleeting fad.
Find a diet and exercise plan that works for you, and is designed for your body type and lifestyle. If it works in the beginning, then stick with it. If you feel healthy and happy on that plan, then continue with the plan even when you see slower results. Consistency and steady weight loss is the key to reaching your goals.
Sticking to a weight loss plan can also help you avoid the temptation to give up or "cheat." Continue to stock your pantry with healthy foods that are allowed on your plan, and your body will start to enjoy those foods as your health increases. Skip the junk food aisles altogether at the grocery store, and eat at home more often. Pack your lunch and take it with you to work, soon you'll have little or no desire to run through a fast food drive-through for a quick dose of saturated fat and calories.
Another technique to reduce your consumption of unhealthy foods is to keep a journal of everything that you eat. Write down your goals, and reflect on them daily. Keep track of how close you are to your goal every single day. Find a support group where you can talk to others who are in the same situation that you are in, and allow them to encourage and support you.
One of the biggest secrets to weight loss and getting healthier is to not keep it a secret. Tell your family and friends your weight loss goals, and ask them to help hold you accountable to those goals. Simply letting your friends know that you want to lose ten pounds can create enough friendly pressure to prevent you from breaking your diet. After all, no one wants to explain why they are no longer eating healthy when their friends are constantly watching and encouraging them.
It takes just a little effort to stay on track towards your dieting goals. As you develop a longer and leaner body, you are also developing discipline and strength. Challenge yourself to kick the habit of yo-yo dieting, and you will be happier and healthier in the long run.
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