How to Get Really Skinny

Getting skinny is a goal commonly sought after in order to look and feel attractive. Self-esteem is an important aspect of overall health, as maintaining a positive personal outlook greatly contributes to quality of life and wards off depression. As important as it is to feel attractive, obvious benefits of weight loss are often overlooked. Healthy body weight prevents diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease and arthritis.Therefore, getting skinny is an admirable goal that should be viewed as a positive lifestyle change. Taking the correct steps will help you shed pounds and keep them off for good.

Instructions

Exercise

• 1

  Turn every day activities and commutes into opportunities to become physically active. Walk or bike to the store down the street instead of driving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Vacuum the house vigorously, take the kids to the park or walk the dog more often.

• 2

  Create exercise opportunities at work. Use breaks to walk or jog around the office building instead of talking on your cell phone or watching television. Some companies provide on-site gyms, which can be utilized during longer breaks and before or after work shifts.

• 3

  Set aside 30 minutes per day to participate in vigorous physical activity, which increases heart rate and is necessary in order to lose substantial body weight. Bike, jog or go to the gym. Try aerobics or dance classes to make exercise more appealing.

Diet and Nutrition

• 4

  Consume low-calorie, low-fat foods and avoid saturated and trans fats to reduce caloric intake. Fish, nuts and low-fat or nonfat dairy products are high-protein, low-fat food items that assist in weight reduction.

• 5

  Read food labels and observe recommended portion sizes. Rather than consuming three large meals per day, eat three to five small meals throughout the day with healthy snacks in between. This will increase metabolism and reduce the risk of overeating.

• 6

  Consume recommended fruit and vegetable servings daily. Fruits and vegetables contain helpful vitamins and antioxidants that promote weight loss. The recommended serving for each is 2 cups per day.

• 7

  Avoid sugary or carbonated beverages and processed, artificial foods. These items increase insulin levels, which convert sugar into unwanted belly fat. Instead, consume plenty of water to raise metabolism and ensure adequate hydration levels.