Totorus

Photo credit by Menage a Moi

Many of us have struggled to lose a few pounds at one point in our lives. Whether it is to look better, feel better, or simply fit into that pair of jeans that have been sitting in the closet unworn we have all tried dieting. With so many options and diet plans available, it can be confusing as to which one will garner the results that are sought. However, regardless of which diet you decide on there are some standard diet tips that work across the board. These are the dieting basics for success in your weight loss goals.

Watch what you drink-While that latte may entice, and that diet cola may seem innocent enough (it is diet right?) these beverages can hinder your dieting efforts. These drinks both contain caffeine, which can rob your body of hydration. If you find yourself consuming caffeinated beverages, try to limit them to 2 a day. Also, try to drink a few more glasses of water to help replenish the water that has been sucked out.

Eat smaller and more frequently-Eating smaller meals more frequently will get your metabolism in high gear. This dieting basic also aids in keeping a stable blood sugar level which can help the weight come off quicker.

Portion control- Eating proper portions is as important as the foods you choose. While eating a cheeseburger isn’t the greatest choice, eating a smaller portioned one is far less damning to your efforts when compared to say a double cheeseburger fully loaded up. You will also find that this dieting basic allows you more flexibility as to what you can and cannot eat.

Get off the couch- While eating appropriately is a great start, it will not be as effective as it would be when combined with exercise. While setting enough time aside for an entire workout may not be the easiest thing to do, there is always a way. Smaller “mini workouts” will get your heart going and burn calories just the same. Take the stairs at work, park farther away from your destination and get a brief walk in.

Don’t eat 3 hours before bedtime-Eating before bed is the biggest mistake one can do when dieting is concerned. Consuming food prior to sleeping is equivalent to begging your body to store it as fat. This is the most important dieting basic to remember.

Avoid alcohol- Alcohol breaks down to sugar which in turn can be stored as fat. Ever wonder where a beer belly comes from? Alcohol, depending on your selection of course, can contain as many calories as a snack would. If you choose to drink occasionally, low carb beers are a viable option. Sweet drinks, and regular beer can work against your efforts. As a dieting basic, I would steer clear altogether but as mentioned previously the low carb options aren’t as bad if moderated.

These dieting basics can help you achieve your weight loss goals quicker and more successfully. These dieting basics can be used with any diet plan.