Losing weight is challenging. In fact, only 28 percent of people
vowing to lose weight were successful, according to one study from the
United Kingdom. Dedication and a few healthy tricks learned from the
pros can be the key to successful weight loss.
Nutritionist, personal trainer and health educator, Cynthia Sass,
MPH, RD, believes that traditional diets of low-calorie -- and often
low-taste -- foods can leave dieters feeling hungry and unsatisfied.
In her New York Times best-selling book "Flat Belly Diet," Sass
offers several easy guidelines to help you stick to your weight-loss
goals to become healthier and happier.
Sass Up Water
According to Sass, drinking plenty of water is an essential part of
an everyday diet. "Many people find having eight glasses a day can be a
challenge when less healthy options such as soda and sugary juices are
easily available," she says. Sass recommends her signature recipe
called “Sassy Water” which infuses fresh ginger root, cucumbers, lemons
and mint leaves into water. "We call it 'Sassy' because it’s a heck of
a lot perkier than plain old water and the ingredients help calm and
soothe your digestive system."
Eating on the Go
Sass suggests eating several small meals and snacks throughout the
day to regulate the body’s metabolism and stop the hunger pangs. "I
really like Laughing Cow Mini Babybel cheeses, because they offer
delicious, portable protein to help control food cravings and keep you
feeling fuller longer," she says. "Also, each serving is individually
wrapped so weight-conscious individuals know how much food they are
getting without worrying about portion control."
Get Moving
"Walking not only burns calories, it can also boost your mood,"
says Sass. "Moderate-to-vigorous walking causes your brain to release
hormones which are shown to improve your mood and raise your spirits,
which can last for several hours." Sass recommends finding ways to
incorporate exercise into your daily routines, like a quick five-minute
walk around your office after lunch.
Snack the Right Way
"Most people who work outside of the home eat lunch between noon
and 1 p.m., but don’t make dinner until after 6 p.m., therefore, their
hunger signals are in full-swing well before they eat their last meal
for the day," says Sass. "The fix is to plan your snack between lunch
and dinner around 3 or 4 p.m." While at the office, she suggests
Laughing Cow Light cheese wedges as a great snack. "I like to pair it
with sliced apple wedges and a few tablespoons of nuts for a tasty,
filling, calorie-controlled way to snack."
Don’t go it alone
Research shows that dieters, especially women, who share their
resolutions with friends, family and coworkers are more successful at
following their weight-loss goals. "People who maintain personal and
community connections have better health than those who don’t," says
Sass.
For additional tips on keeping fitness goals and healthy meal ideas, pick up a copy of "Flat Belly Diet."
Courtesy of ARAcontent