Five Secret Tips to Weight Loss

We have all heard the time tested advice for loosing weight. You know the, burn more calories then you take in, drink more water, don't eat after 6 pm. Well here is some advice you may not have heard. These five secret tips can put an added boost to your weight loss plan.

1) Get Your Hormones Checked

Woman especially are susceptible to an imbalance of hormones. Many disorders like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which effects one in ten woman, can cause unexpected weight gain, and even make weight loss near impossible. If you have been struggling with your weight and feel you may have a hormonal imbalance, talk to your doctor. There is also much talk in the media about cortisol, a stress hormone that traps fat around the belly. This hormone is present in men and woman and is only one of many stress induced hormones responsible for weight gain.

2) Go To Bed Earlier

Studies show people who hit the sheets before midnight have improved immune system function and typically consume fewer calories. I guess thats where the term"midnight snack" gets it's name. Also people who get to be earlier also wake up rested, so they are not running on empty all day. The more energy you have, the more potential to burn calories. As an added note, exercise helps regulate sleep patterns and is a definite necessity for weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

3) Make The Bread Switch

Bread, it's been a taboo word since the success of many who followed the Atkins diet. However, whole grain, sprouted grain, and high fiber bread is okay, in moderation of course. Make sure the bread you buy doesn't just read "whole grain" or "twelve grain" or even "made with whole grains". You want it to read "100% whole grain" and you want the ingredient label to make no mention of the words such as "enriched" or "bleached". Also try to stay away from breads and grains with a high sugar content, or low fiber content. You want at least three grams per slice of fiber, not serving, of bread.

4) Flavor Your Day

So many of us who are attempting to achieve weight loss keep eating repetitive meals. If you deny yourself variety, your going to fail. healthy food can be tasty, it just has to be prepared correctly. Take a healthy cooking class, or search recipes on line. Make sure to use ingredients closest to nature. these have optimal nutrition and can actually aid in weigh loss. herbs are a great addition, fresh is best!

5)Stop Dieting

If what the way you are eating now, isn't the way you'll be eating one year from now, your setting yourself up for filer. Most weight loss that occurs on a "diet" comes back after you resume and settle into your previous eating patterns. Following guide lines such as the Glycemic Index have pr oven to be a better approach to weight loss. You have to look at weight loss as the reward for eating better and healthier. You'll also enjoy added benefits of healthier skin, nails and hair. Weight loss needs a lifestyle change, not just a quick fix. Although it is possible to achieve major weight loss by following a diet system plan, like slim-fast or the new cereal diet introduced by Kellogg's, it's not what you will be eating long term. If you think once the weight comes off you aren't ever going to reach that weight again, you need to understand that it is necessary to commit to a healthy eating regime, and exercise.

You see, even though drinking more water, eating less, and exercising more may be the top weight loss advice, my advice still kicks butt!