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Top 5 Tips To Lose 10 Pounds

Most people wanting to lose weight are relatively healthy but have gained a few pounds over a number of months or years. These additional pounds have crept on due to occasional overeating or over indulgences and/or due to a reduction in exercise. Although some people have more serious weight problems, many people will be happy to lose just 10 pounds.

Our top 5 tips to lose 10 pounds are:

Choose The Right Time

Weight loss can be a very personal issue and attempts to lose weight can be hampered by low self esteem. If you try to lose a few pounds at a time when your self esteem is low or when you are under a lot of stress, you are more likely to fail. This could lead to even lower self esteem, making weight loss even more difficult. To be successful in your attempt to lose weight, it is essential that you are feeling generally happy and satisfied with your life. A positive attitude is the first step to weight loss.

Be Realistic

It is important to set realistic, achievable goals when trying to lose weight and to lose 10 pounds is a reasonable goal for most people. Try not to rush your weight loss; 1 pound per week is achievable with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. To lose weight quickly, you will have to make drastic changes to your eating habits, changes which are rarely sustainable. For successful, long term weight loss, slow and steady is the way to go.

Keep A Diary

It is important to record what you are eating, how much exercise you are doing, and your weight loss progress. Firstly, to see exactly what you are eating and where you can make easy changes to diet. Secondly, to record how much, or how little, exercise you are doing. If you consume fewer calories than you burn through exercise and other everyday activities, then you should be losing weight. Recording your weight loss can help motivate you to continue and can give a sense of achievement, hopefully leading to improved self esteem.

Modify Your Diet

You don't need to make drastic changes to your diet to lose weight. If you keep a diary for a week or so you should start to see where you can make simple improvements in your diet. You don't have to cut out junk food or chocolate entirely but just reduce your intake. Try adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet. For example, if you normally have a banana for breakfast, try having an apple or a couple of apricots as well. Add an extra tomato to your salad. If you're short on time, stir fry some ready prepared frozen vegetables. Try fruit and vegetables which you have seen in the supermarket but have never tried. Variety is important. Don't forget to add protein to your diet as this keeps you from getting hungry between meals. A small piece of fish or chicken with your meals should be sufficient or add some cheese to your salad. Finish each meal with a small, low fat yoghurt. These small changes should result in a gradual weight loss over a number of weeks.

Diet With Friends

A great way to help you lose ten pounds is to exercise and diet with your friends or family. This way you can support and encourage each other, keeping track of each others results. It also helps to have an exercise partner who can push you when you don't feel like going out for a walk or to the gym.

Many people can lose at least a few pounds by following the above advice and sticking to long term healthy choices. It's not a 'quick fix' but you can find yourself healthier, happier, and eventually 10 pounds lighter.