HEALTH LIVING: FULL-PROOF PLAN FOR LOOSING WEIGHT

There is a common belief that several glasses of hot water mixed with lemon juice will help you to lose weight.

Those who swear by this method say that the mixture breaks down the fat, an action that helps you lose those extra kilos. Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking.

To lose weight, you have to be willing to exercise and adopt healthy eating habits. Also, it is not possible to lose fat around the stomach only; a weight loss plan is only successful if it targets the entire body.

It is important to note that one loses weight in a specific pattern, determined by one’s body.

Apart from gender, genes also determine weight distribution. Genes can also determine the part of the body that gets lighter fast.

Generally, in women, the hips and upper thighs take a longer time to work on. In men, it is the stomach.

It is straight forward. All you need to do is reduce your calorie intake and increase your caloric output. If you are dedicated and committed, you can do it.

Eat less refined foods: The less fatty and sugary foods you eat, the faster you will lose weight.

Secondly, as much as you can, eat food that is in its natural form – foods like sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables, and grains such as beans are the best. These are not only rich in fibre, but have fewer calories and leave you feeling full for longer, eliminating the need to keep snacking.

Eat more fruits and vegetables: They are full of nutrients and have more fibre, which makes them easy to digest, what’s more, they have fewer calories.

Avoid snacking on junk food: It is tasty, but it will not be kind on your hips and midsection. The best way to go about winning this difficult battle is not storing junk in the house, because the temptation to reach for a biscuit or a bowl of crisps will be overwhelming.

They say water is life. Drink plenty of it. Sodas and processed juices are rich in sugar and calories, and these make you pile on weight at an alarming rate.

Cut the number of times you eat out: There is often the urge to pass by your favourite restaurant especially if you are one of those people that find cooking tedious, or if you often leave work late or live alone. If you work away from home, cook at home and carry packed lunch – home-cooked meals are healthier than the kind you get in restaurants.

Get enough sleep: At least eight hours of sleep is advisable. Inadequate sleeps affects your body’s rhythm, and you tend to eat more and crave sugary treats.

Be more active: Clean your house, wash your clothes, walk as much as you can. Whenever possible, do some form of exercise three to four days a week. The best exercise is the one that is part of your daily life, for instance walking. Aerobic or cardio-based exercise is good for burning calories, but needs to be supplemented with muscle strengthening exercises that build muscle and burns calories even after you stop exercising.

Finally, be patient, there is no short cut to losing weight. A realistic weight loss programme takes time. When you do reach your goal, make healthy eating and exercising part of your lifestyle.