Weight Management Ideas

Everywhere you look you find someone who is trying to implement some type of weight management program (as if it is an epidemic). There could be a number of reasons why this is, such as, a medical issue, menopause, extreme pre-menstrual bloating, additive and preservative laden foods, depression, not enough activity, too many calories, and I could literally go on and on with this list.

I won't be able to touch on every aspect of why people gain weight; however, I can most definitely go over some techniques to help jumpstart your weight loss.

Basic Guidelines For Weight Management
Avoid the quick weight loss gimmicks. I do understand that people may have an outfit they want to wear for a special occasion from time to time. But if you change your thought pattern to "prevention" from "reaction", and start making small changes each day, a quick weight loss will hardly be needed. Many times losing weight quick, means going to the extreme with some kind of diet fad. Slow, steady, and natural is what works for best long term results.

Consistent activity versus extreme workouts. Again, going to the extreme periodically is not as effective as slow and steady. A wonderful example of this is when I decided to train for and run a half marathon. I trained to the extreme for six months straight and my longest run was 14 miles. I lost about 15 pounds and looked great. I ended up getting injured, my workouts stopped and I gained back the 15 pounds and more within only a few weeks. By all means, if you want to run a marathon then do it! But while you are training, if you are not used to the long runs, don't start running 5 miles a day. Some days you will only be required to do a light jog to almost a walk. "Slow and steady won the race!"

What foods do I choose? Several servings of fruit, vegetables, protein and reduced portions of carbs. The key here is several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones. Try not to eat really late either (say after 6:30pm or so), as you won't be able to metabolize your food effectively.