10 ways to lose weight

Do you need to knock off some weight? Here are 10 winning strategies that will help you shed pounds and keep them off



1. Schedule ‘workout’ in your daily planner: Make exercise an important commitment and write it down in your planner so that you are more likely to keep the ‘appointment’. It is also a good idea to keep tabs on your workout progress so that you are motivated to continue exercising
2. Include the dynamic duo: cardiovascular exercise and strength — training – The cardiovascular exercises (eg. walking) help burn calories; the strength training exercises boost metabolic rate and help shape-up. Hiring a qualified trainer may help you plan your exercise routine based on your goals.

3. Take exercise breaks: Take exercise breaks, regularly. You could stretch mid-morning, or take a walk at lunchtime, or climb up the stairs when you get the opportunity.



4. Take breaks to deep breathe: Whenever you are angry or stressed, relax and take deep breaths instead of binging on food.



5. Weigh yourself once a week: This way you can gauge the smallest fluctuations in your weight and prompt you to get back into action.



6. Plan ahead: Avoid eating when you are bored. Instead think of a new stimulation, a new goal or a new sense of achievement.



7. Hydrate yourself: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and eat high water content foods like watermelon, oranges, pineapples etc.



8. Fuel right: Respect the body’s internal clock and metabolism and fuel your body right and it will perform better as well as help you slim down.



9. Separate food from television: You tend to eat mindlessly when you watch television. Control portion size and make better food choices.



10. Make lighter food choices when possible: Eat egg white instead of the whole egg, whole-grain, instead of refined products and low-fat instead of full fat. Did you know?: Skimmed milk gets 5% of its calories from fat, while whole milk gets 51% from fat.