FEATURED ARTICLE - "Super Weight Loss Tips"

To lose weight in a healthy way, we must control caloric intake and increase the amount of calories burned with some form of exercise. (Also, be sure to read the "Product-of-the-Month" section below, which is about an outstanding weight loss supplement called SlenderLean). Regardless of the eating plan component of your weight-loss program, the following tips will help you accomplish your goals of healthy weight-loss and weight maintenance:

1. Drink two or three quarts of water each day. This helps control your appetite. Sometimes a feeling of hunger is actually thirst. Additionally, water is necessary to carry away the breakdown byproducts of fat. However, try not to overdo it on the water - too much can actually disturb your body's electrolyte balance.

2. Carry a little sport bottle at all times. If you feel hungry, take a drink. This works great, for example, when you are at your desk or computer as it helps to curb your appetite.

3. Use small plates and eating utensils. You will feel that you have eaten more, because the portions will look bigger. This will reinforce your mental perception of eating a "full plate."

4. Slow down your eating pace every way you can. For instance, if you are right-handed, eat with your left and vice versa. Put your fork down after each bite and do not pick it up until you have completely swallowed the last bite.

5. Chew every bite at least thirty times. Your food will taste better and you will be much more satisfied. Do not swallow until all the flavor is gone from of each bite.

6. Brush your teeth after every meal. You will be less tempted to eat if you do. Brush and floss after your evening meal; many people agree this helps avoid late-night cravings for snacks.

7. Both sodas and juices are loaded with calories that are simple carbohydrates. These trigger insulin production and hunger and are pretty much "empty calories," lacking other important nutrients such as protein. Drink water instead.

8. Pay attention to when and what you are eating. Ask yourself: "Do I really want to eat this?" Never eat on the run - wait until you arrive. Otherwise, your body will not even realize that you have eaten.

9. Do not keep junk food snacks around the house. Eat healthy snacks like carrots or celery. Reasonable amounts of fruits are ok as well. Just avoid eating lots of it since it is high in carbohydrates.

10. Eat lots of fiber. Fiber is great for helping you feel full as well as helping to cleanse your digestive track. The natural cleansing helps improve both your energy level and overall feeling of wellness.

11. Before going to a restaurant or party, think about what you will eat. When you get there, remember your plan. Alcoholic beverages can add lots of calories. Drink a glass of skim milk or some healthy snacks before you leave.

12. Do not get discouraged when you plateau. Realize this up front. Plateauing is healthy and necessary. During these times, focus on drinking more water and a little extra walking each day. Remember the three laws of success in dieting: "Consistency, consistency, and consistency."

13. Picture yourself as you would like to be and help to maintain your goal by focusing on "how it will be". Find an old photo that you like of yourself when you were thinner. Have copies made and put one in your purse or wallet, on the refrigerator door, at your desk, on the bathroom mirror and anywhere you can think of to help you aspire to your new, thinner self.

14. Above all - WRITE IT DOWN. Keep an eating diary. Carry a piece of paper folded up or an index card in your pocket, purse or wallet and write down everything you eat during the day. Look up the foods in a reference book at home in the evening and add up the calories actually consumed. This is a great learning tool. You do not have to do this all the time, but it is good to do during the early stages and when you plateau.

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