For many women, dieting is a way of life. These women, eager to fit comfortably into their favorite clothes and cut a smooth silhouette, are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase the effectiveness of their weight loss efforts. While, much to the chagrin of many, there is no magic weight-loss pill, women can improve their chances of maintaining a healthy diet and staying in their skinny jeans by trying some simple diet tips.
Don’t Skimp on Breakfast
Skipping breakfast is a tempting option, particularly for women on the go. However, failing to eat this first meal of the day can actually be detrimental to your weight loss efforts. As HealthCastle reports, eating breakfast not only gets you ready to face the day, but it also kick-starts your metabolism. Instead of running out the door with your stomach growling, grab a bowl of oatmeal, a serving of whole grain cereal or an egg-white breakfast sandwich.
Set Small Goals
Regardless of how much weight you want to lose ultimately, you are better off setting small weight loss goals. If you say to yourself that you must lose 100 lbs., you will likely become frustrated by the size of the number and the seeming impossibility of the task at hand. Instead, set a 10 to 20 lb. weight loss goal. This goal is more attainable and, once you reach it, you will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of success. After reaching your first goal, set another. Continue with your mini-goal setting as you move through the weight loss process to reach your ultimate end weight goal.
Satisfy Your Hunger with Healthy Snacks
The website for “Women’s Health” magazine urges female dieters to avoid starving themselves to shed pounds. Instead of whittling your calorie intake down to nearly nothing, modify the type of foods you are eating. By swapping the bag of chips for some baby carrots, or the oatmeal cookie for a granola bar, women can cut down on the fat in-take and lose weight. Also, by allowing for snacking between meals, you decrease the likelihood of over-eating, once you finally do sit down at the table.
Pre-Portion your Food
Many women pack on the pounds because they inadvertently inflate their portion sizes. If you often find yourself finishing packages of food with six portions in two sittings, you might suffer from this problem. To avoid eating more than the allotted portion when you dine, pre-portion your foods. When you arrive home from the grocery store, immediately divide your multi-serving packages into single serving resealable sandwich baggies. Use a scale, or count out pieces, to accomplish this task. The next time hunger strikes, you can simply pick up one of these baggies and eat, without derailing your diet.
