Over the past few months, I’ve gained more weight than I care to admit, and while I’m not considered obese, I am considered overweight, so I’m trying to rectify that. Weight loss advice can seem overwhelming, but here are three things you can do to get started.
1. SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE
Check with your doctor whenever you want to try to lose weight. Advice from a medical professional can help you figure out the right diet and exercise plan for your health and body. Not every weight loss plan works for every person, and your doctor will be able to work with you to try different options and see what works. Additionally, there are some weight loss treatments and therapies that require medical approval, like surgeries and prescriptions. For example, Xenical weight loss pills tend to be prescribed if someone suffers from conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, along with obesity. When you’re prescribed something like Xenical, your doctor will often also prescribe certain dietary restrictions and exercise regimens to supplement it. Most weight loss programs include several complementary components like Xenical’s dietary and exercise companions because combination treatment has more success than just trying one thing.
2. EATING RIGHT
Plenty of diets advertise themselves as being great ways to lose weight. However, the best thing you can do to lose weight healthily is to avoid fad diets. Many of these weight loss specific diets focus on portion control and calorie counting, which can work for a period of time. However, it can be very easy to fall out of the habit. Counting calories really isn’t necessary if you know what foods to eat and to avoid in order to get to a healthy weight.
The first thing to do is cut back on carbs, especially simple carbohydrates like sugar. Then, incorporate more protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Protein helps you feel fuller longer, and you can add it into your diet through meat, fish, eggs, and plants like beans and soy. Low carb vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach are nutritionally dense and high in fiber. Incorporating healthy fats when you cut carbs gives your body a different, healthier source of energy to burn.
3. FINDING EXERCISES THAT WORK FOR YOU
Different exercise regimens work for different people. In general, you want to find a good combination of cardio, toning, and weight training. This doesn’t mean you need to run a marathon or become a bodybuilder. Just do some light cardio to keep your heart healthy and lift weights or tone to burn calories, strengthen muscles, and keep your metabolism up. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and build muscle and heart health.
Try out different diet and exercise options and talk to your doctor to come up with the best weight loss plan for you.