Easy Common Sense Weight Loss Tips and Techniques that Really Work

If we lived in a world where people followed their inner instincts and knowledge, where we really listened to that little voice that says not to finish that whole box of cookies we would have many more thin and fit people with better overall health in America. According to the American Obesity Association 64.5% of American adults are overweight with 30.5% of them being obese. They go on to say that obesity raises your chance of getting over 30 serious medical conditions and is associated with increases in death from all causes.

The most powerful and effective weight loss techniques are usually the ones you knew to be "healthy" habits all your life. You owe it to yourself to be trim, toned and full of vitality. Following are some common-sense steps you can take towards achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Eat consciously. Chew your food well and take smaller bites. Take the time to sit down at dinner. Set the table. Savor your food and take the time to really taste, smell and enjoy it. This will lead to more mindful eating, reaching the point of fullness faster, and fully enjoying what you eat. It is harder to feed ourselves the unhealthy foods when we turn our meals into a calming ritual.

Increase the amount of fiber-containing foods in your daily diet. Eat more fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes. More fiber in your diet has been linked to many health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other serious health conditions. Increasing your intake of these healthy foods also leaves less room for the bad stuff and will help to moderate your eating.

Get moving. Extra movement equals more calories burned and a body that is more toned. It is not as hard or tedious as it may seem. In fact, one of the best total body exercise routines that you could start is walking. An easy way to get started is to get yourself a pedometer. For health and fitness it is usually recommended to get around 10000 steps a day. If you are like the majority of Americans you may be shocked to find your step count closer to 3000. The pedometer may well serve as motivation to get those numbers up. There are many easy ways you can find to get more walking in, such as a walk after dinner, parking in the far side of the parking lot, not taking the elevator, even pacing while speaking on the telephone. Every step adds up.

Drink your water. Try to replace sugary, empty calorie drinks with water. Studies have shown that you can lose around 5 pounds a year just from making this switch. Flavor it with lemon if it helps to drink more. Many times we mistake feeling thirsty as hunger. Better to try drinking naturally zero calorie water first and see if perhaps you were thirsty after all. Water can also help you digest easier and promote a feeling of fullness.

These are some of the major steps you can make towards weight loss and overall improved health. You probably knew these all along somewhere. I am sure you can even intuitively think of a few more. Moderation is key. Isn't it time to finally provide your body with the things it needs for optimal performance and vitality? Your body will thank you with increased energy, a clearer mindset, and a hot body in that bikini.

References:

(http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_US.shtml)

(http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/fiber/FIB_where.html)

(http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-10-24-water-diet_x.htm)