Weight Loss Tips for Women

Though countless strategies weave through fitness literature regarding losing weight, women have been frustrated to find that while they successfully clipped weight, they had trouble keeping it off. But there's only one way to maintain weight loss, and that's through changing your lifestyle. If you have tried a number of different methods and were unable to achieve your weight-loss goals, don't give up. By patiently approaching a sensible routine, you can indeed trim your waist for good.

Eat Sensibly and Often

• Healthy diet is achieved through balancing lean protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Eating a series of small meals each day gives your body the perpetual energy it needs to burn calories. Though various fad diets encourage dieters to cut their calorie intake, your focus is better applied to taking in whole, natural foods. While it's true that decreasing calorie intake will lead to weight loss, obsessing over calorie quantities inhibits a holistic, lasting approach to weight loss, as each person's caloric need is different. Instead, avoid foods that don't satisfy--fried or highly processed products like french fries or potato chips; these foods decrease overall energy and spike insulin levels, making you want to eat more.

Exercise Regularly

• Comprehensive benefits of exercise are enumerable, and maintained weight loss depends on some type of weekly fitness routine. Exercising regularly increases metabolism, which improves your ability to burn calories. Basing meals on foods high in protein and fiber (fish, natural almond or peanut butter, chicken breast, whole breads and pastas), in conjunction with some type of cardiovascular activity such as jogging, walking or bicycling, can allow you to shed one to two pounds in a week. Be realistic about exercise, however. Listen to your body. Don't push your limits or work through pain. Losing weight can be fun and need not be painful.

Hydration

• Remaining well hydrated is essential to any weight-loss plan. As you become more active, your body naturally requires more water. Drinking at least 5 pints (16 oz. each) throughout the day keeps you satisfied, eliminating urges to snack on foods high in saturated fat. Water should replace sugary drinks like juices and soda, as these items will leave you dehydrated. Though you may love coffee, try to cut back to one each day, and instead focus on water. Water intake controls metabolism levels, which aids in weight loss.

Routine and Rest

• Hard workers can underestimate the power of rest and relaxation. But building sleep and routine into your schedule is crucial for sustaining weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Hormone levels are naturally maintained when the body is well rested and functioning on a regular schedule; such routines also decrease the likelihood of binge eating. Important to acknowledge is that losing weight can be a major change to the body; developing patterns with sensible sleeping and eating minimizes stress while you experience this commendable physical journey.