We all know how to lose weight right? Burn more than we take in. If the concept is so simple why aren’t we all walking around looking like supermodels? Why are 30% of the American population obese and why does the average employee miss 8.4 days of work annually due to illness or injury?
If logic worked, everyone (or more people) would be fit and healthy, free from disease, and have loads of stamina. But we know better. Logic alone doesn’t work. The key is changing your behavior. But how do you change habits that you’ve had for so long. This is an incredibly difficult task. I believe the solution lies not in a complete overhaul but in capturing the positive components of our habits and guarding ourselves from the bad parts. The following 4 principles will help facilitate positive and long-term change, fast!
1. Use smaller plates – Smaller plates lead to smaller portions. Never sit down with the whole bag and kid yourself that you’ll only have a handful. This concept will help you to take in fewer calories and help facilitate weight loss. Just don’t go back for seconds!
2. Eat the important stuff first – Make a rule that you’ll eat nutrient rich foods first. In other words, start with the veggies so they don’t get pushed off and left to the side only to be scraped into the garbage.
3. Scratch willpower – Willpower is so overrated. If you’re hungry and junk food is available, good luck! I know that if less than ideal choices are in the house when I’m hungry, chances are I’m going to eat them. By the same token, I’m probably not going to inconvenience myself to drive to the store to get them. Bottom line – lock the junk away!
4. Eat frequently – Don’t wait until you are starving to eat. Eating a small balanced meal every few hours will help prevent hunger pangs and ensure that you are only eating what your body needs and not extra.
I challenge you to implement one or more of these principles and see your results amaze you. So, which one will you choose.
Billy Hofacker – BS, CSCS