Here's a secret from the trimmest people around: While there are plenty of things you should do if you want to get—and stay—at a manageable weight, there are plenty that you shouldn't be doing.
And it's those things that could be harming your weight, without you even realizing it.
Don't arrive hungry.
Of course, you want to have an appetite for that lovely meal you've been invited to, or that restaurant you've been waiting months to try. And I'm not advising that you get there with a full stomach. But some people, in anticipation of a big meal, starve themselves all day. Yet here's the thing: If you arrive ravenous, it's tough to be rational and eat the right things. You're more likely to reach for the all the wrong things to fill you up quickly (think tempting bread basket placed right in front of you) or order the worst choices off the menu. (It's kind of analogous to going to the supermarket hungry—another don't. Gets you in trouble Every. Single. Time.)
Of course, you want to have an appetite for that lovely meal you've been invited to, or that restaurant you've been waiting months to try. And I'm not advising that you get there with a full stomach. But some people, in anticipation of a big meal, starve themselves all day. Yet here's the thing: If you arrive ravenous, it's tough to be rational and eat the right things. You're more likely to reach for the all the wrong things to fill you up quickly (think tempting bread basket placed right in front of you) or order the worst choices off the menu. (It's kind of analogous to going to the supermarket hungry—another don't. Gets you in trouble Every. Single. Time.)
Don't neglect exercise.
You may think that all you need to do to lose or manage your weight is to cut calories. And that is true—sort of. Although exercise is not the panacea for weight loss, it still matters. In a meta-analysis (a study of studies) published last year, it was found that a combination of behavioral weight loss programs and exercise yielded more sustained weight loss over a year than just diet alone. And you can't ignore that exercise is important to tone muscles and firm up—plus, it's got undeniable health benefits, among them protection from heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
You may think that all you need to do to lose or manage your weight is to cut calories. And that is true—sort of. Although exercise is not the panacea for weight loss, it still matters. In a meta-analysis (a study of studies) published last year, it was found that a combination of behavioral weight loss programs and exercise yielded more sustained weight loss over a year than just diet alone. And you can't ignore that exercise is important to tone muscles and firm up—plus, it's got undeniable health benefits, among them protection from heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.
Don't forget to drink water.
It's possible for your body to mistake thirst for hunger, so before you reach for some food, grab a glass of water instead. It might be just what you need to feel full and satisfied. And although the impact is rather modest, German researchers have found that water consumption can increase your calorie burn rate.
It's possible for your body to mistake thirst for hunger, so before you reach for some food, grab a glass of water instead. It might be just what you need to feel full and satisfied. And although the impact is rather modest, German researchers have found that water consumption can increase your calorie burn rate.
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