Short-Cuts: 5 Easy Steps to Weight Loss Success

Losing weight is actually a very simple process. All the millions of weight loss tips, articles, fad diets, and work-out plans all boil down to this: to lose weight you must consume less calories than you burn. Here are some easy “short-cuts” you can infuse into your daily lifestyle.

#1. Sit down for meals. The American woman is an accomplished multitasker. Juggling career, family, and social responsibilities leave very little time for leisurely dining. Find the time! It’s worth it! When you sit down to eat make sure that you take sips of water during your meal. Put your fork down as well, I promise your chicken breast isn’t going to walk off your plate. Eat slowly and chew your food. Taking the time to taste your food sends important signals to your brain allowing you feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer.

#2. Pay attention to portion size. A serving of protein is the size of your palm. Carbohydrates like rice, pasta or potatoes should be no larger than your fist. Most restaurants try to provide their diners with the most bang for the buck. One popular appetizer soars off the charts with a whopping 2,900 calories! When dining out ask that the server bring a take-out box when she serves the meal and put half of your meal in that box.

#3. Drink water. We’ve heard everyone tell us to drink our eight glasses of water a day ad nauseam, but how does that really benefit weight loss? We need water to transport nutrients, flush out toxins, and aid cell regeneration. Without getting enough fluids your body isn’t working efficiently and that will slow down your metabolism. Water can also help us feel satiated longer, have healthy skin and stay regular. Water is naturally a great choice AND it doesn’t add to your caloric intake!

#4. Take a multivitamin. I’m a firm believer that the optimum source of essential vitamins and minerals comes from eating a colorful and diverse diet. However so many women are deficient in these important nutrients that taking a multivitamin is called for. If your body isn’t getting what it needs out of your diet you are more likely to be sluggish, tired and prone to illness. You can’t gain elite fitness without elite fuel.

#5. Work-out smarter not harder. Make every minute of your workouts count by keeping the intensity high. We are finding out that the secret to rapid weight loss is all about pushing your limits. New fitness movements like P90x and Crossfit use the principle of High Intensity Interval Training to get the full benefit of every minute of exertion. (Check the archives of this blog for even more information regarding HIIT.)

You’ve already taken the hardest step by committing to your health and reclaiming control of your weight. Dedication, determination and these few easy “short-cuts” will add up to big success!