Stop Dieting

Ways to have a healthy lifestyle and Stop Dieting!

We all make mistakes when it comes to eating. A lot of us restrict carbohydrates thinking that we store them as fat, but they are the body’s preferred form of fuel because they can convert quickly to glucose energy. The trick is to eat smaller portions which include protein and carbohydrates which will slow down the rate your body absorbs them and will provide you longer lasting energy.

Another mistake is when you restrict your calories. Reducing your calories is necessary to lose weight however; you don’t want to starve yourself. Starving yourself only lowers your metabolism and makes it harder to lose weight. You only need to reduce your calories by 500 a day to lose a pound a week. If you burn calories say 250 then you only have to consume 250 less than usual. To boost your metabolism eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day.

Know your BMI or Body Mass Index. One way to determine whether your weight is a healthy one is to calculate your "body mass index" (BMI). For most people, BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness. It is calculated based on your height and weight.

To calculate your BMI, see the BMI Calculator at www.bodyforblondes.blogspot.com. Or determine your BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart down below.
• If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the "underweight" range. Your health care provider can help you to achieve a healthier total body weight.
• If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the "normal" or Healthy Weight range. Keep up the good work!
• If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the "overweight" range. Therefore, you may need to lose weight, especially if you have two or more of the risk factors for diseases associated with overweight.
• If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the "obese" range. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider about losing weight.

If you are overweight and considering diet pills please talk to your doctor. They can prescribe a diet pill, but remember diet pills have side effects. Not only do they dry your mouth out, they are also habit forming. These pills are no substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

Besides a BMI calculator there are also calorie counters online. Keep a journal and compare your caloric intake based on your goals and see if you are eating too much or too little.
Recent study shows that sleep deprivation can increase hunger and affect your metabolism. Make sure you are getting the required amount of sleep for your age. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep.

Exercise is the healthiest way to lose weight. We just need to make exercise a habit and not a chore. Start out by taking a nice hour walk on a summer’s day. Then increase the time up to 2 hours and thirty minutes, unless you decide to jog or take an aerobics class then you only need an hour and fifteen minutes. Remember to calculate your heart rate. Target heart rate is the ideal intensity level at which your heart is being exercised but not overworked. The formula for obtaining a target heart rate equals 220 minus your age x 60% - 85%, depending on the individual's fitness goals and physical condition.

If you skip a day, don’t beat yourself up about it just watch what you eat that day. Stay on your healthy diet and don’t eat the wrong foods. No sweets, fried foods, no soda or large meals. And be wary of coffee drinks, Starbucks coffee is extremely high in calories. So next time you are tempted in eating or drinking high calorie items, have a small meal instead with healthy carbohydrates and protein. You’ll feel fuller longer and without the guilt. You’ll soon learn that making a habit out of healthy living is a habit you won’t want to break.