Effective Weight Loss Is About More Than a Number on a Scale

Since dieting is stressful, the process can trigger an increase in stress hormones, which are directly linked to weight gain and the storage of visceral belly fat. In a recent dietary study, researchers identified a type of threshold reduction in a dieter's depressive symptoms as they lost weight due to a noted increase in his or her body esteem and self-image. Fad diets are referred to as Yo-Yo dieting for a reason, so skip the "ups and downs".

The next time you find yourself starring into the refrigerator ask yourself if you are truly hungry, or not. Don't eat just because you are bored. Identify an alternative activity to better manage your emotional needs. If you avoid yo-yo dieting, you can ultimately lower your set point weight so that your body is satisfied with a smaller, lighter you. Start by adopting a diet of unrefined, simple, low calorie-dense foods.

• Avoid Emotional Eating - Losing weight should never mean that you have to starve yourself. When you think about what you're eating, picture what that food can do for your body and how the nutrients will help how you feel.
• Be Accountable to You - There are many factors that play a major role in weight gain and weight loss. So, avoid thinking about blame as it can derail you from your diet and your goal should be to stay on track by accepting responsibility for your eating plan.
• Don't Worship Pounds Lost - Planning your weight loss diet requires understanding your relationship with food as well as reflecting on how you live your life.
• Get Moving in the Morning - To avoid food temptations and maintain your health and wellness, strive for at least seven hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep deprivation can quickly lead to hormonal imbalances that affect hunger.
• Set Small Goals - The reality is that you may not be ready to commit to losing weight or to work as hard as it takes to shed unwanted pounds. Identify what you truly want and it can play a huge role in providing the motivation you need to succeed.

When you are attempting to lose weight, it is important that your body is good with your plan to overcome food cravings. This is where simple breathing exercises or a few minutes of daily meditation might help. Somewhere along your weight loss journey, it is important to change your thinking about foods being good or bad. Start by not allowing yourself to feel either proud or guilty about your food choices. Instead, make good lifestyle decisions.

Once you accept your mission to improve your health and well-being, losing weight and keeping it off will become a lifestyle issue rather than blindly following an ineffective fad diet. For busy people, planning ahead of time is critical to getting the job done, whether it is their meal plan or exercise routine. Put it down on paper and you will free space in your brain rather than burden your memory.