Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work

Whether you're a new mom or have kids that are all grown up, it's hard to find the time and energy to lose that extra weight. We all know that "diets" don't work and its a matter of creating a healthy lifestyle. Eating well and exercising will not only keep your body in check, but it will boost your chances at a longer, healthier life. Yes, it's easier said than done. So, here are some little tips to get you started.

Fitness

If you're having trouble fitting in time to workout, consider an activity that includes you and your children. This way, you can burn calories without having to hire a sitter. If you have infants, invest in a jogging stroller. Try walking with short bursts of jogging and extend those bursts each time so eventually you can jog or run for 20 minutes. Or, purchase some mommy and me work out DVDs which are perfect for rainy days. If your children are older, join them in their sports or activities. This is a great way to bond with your children. Try a mother daughter yoga class or take your son to a kickboxing studio. This also sets a good example for your children and encourages them to stay fit as well.

If you're kids are out of the house, try getting some friends together for a walk, jog or hike. Women often find it easier to oversize outdoors instead of in a gym, but if you're gym-friendly, enroll in a class or hire a personal trainer for one session to show you the ropes and how to use the equipment.

Food

Now that you've got a workout plan, it's time to get your kitchen in check. Don't go throwing out everything white and sugary just yet. Restricting yourself of the foods you love is just going to result in failure. When you restrict yourself of foods you run the risk of binging on them in the future. The trick is to eat everything that you want in moderation. You also need to balance your foods. This means that if you want a hot dog for lunch then have one (one, not two) - but then you'll need to have a healthy dinner to balance it out. If you know you're going to be going out for dinner with friends tomorrow, then plan a healthy breakfast and lunch so that you can enjoy a good dinner. Eating out can be dangerous to your waistline, but remember that you don't need to finish your entire plate. Try leaving part of your meal every time you go out for dinner and bringing it home - this way you have a delicious lunch the next day. Once you do this, you'll realize that you don't need to lick the plate clean to feel full.

For at home snacks, nibble on raw fruit and veggies with homemade dip. If you're going to get sick of chicken or tuna salads for lunch, try making homemade chicken soup with tons of veggies. Mix in some cumin and cayenne pepper to spice it up. If you're craving a sweet snack, bake butternut squash and sprinkle on some Splenda with cinnamon. For dinners make sure to include some protein whether its a fillet of fish or a chicken breast. If you love your pasta, opt for whole wheat and go light on the sauce.