When you’re trying to lose weight you want to do it quickly so the last thing you need to hear from me is that you need to slow down. But in the end slowing down really will help speed up your permanent weight loss, believe me.
One of the fundamental rules that I followed when I lost weight was to eat more slowly. I sat down for all my meals and made sure that I chewed my food properly – at least 20 times. To force yourself to do this, one trick is to put down your knife and fork between mouthfuls. A pain, I know, but if you practice it often enough it will become a habit. The reason this is so important? Well, it takes about 20 minutes for hormones to build up to tell your stomach it is full, so if you eat too fast you will in fact eat more than you need to satisfy your appetite. What would be the point in that? So keep reminding yourself that there is a method to this madness!
Secondly, don’t be tempted by any of these celery and replacement meal type diets. Losing seven pounds in one week will not result in long-term weight loss. I’ve been there. Look at trying to lose one to two pounds a week, so around eight pounds a month.
Another trick I used was to buy myself a little treat for each pound that I lost – not a food treat mind you! Steer clear of the chocolate aisle! Just a magazine or a T-shirt for instance – something to look forward to other than food. This trick really works!
Happy Monday and let’s hope these tips kick start your weight loss!