How to lose weight (method 1)

Losing weight can be a challenge. Oftentimes diets fail if not carried out properly. This is just one of the many methods to losing weight. This article does not guarantee weight loss and it is not designed for every person. Please seek professional medical advice (i.e. physician) before committing to this or any diet or exercise program.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scale
• Diet Plan
• Exercise Plan

1. Decide how much weight you want to lose. Try not to put a strict time limit on your weight loss goal. For example if you want to lose 25 lbs over a period of 5 months is a decent goal, and it is not too stringent on your body.

2. Cut down your meals to at least two. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should not be skipped under any circumstances. You may want to start your day with a low-fat cereal (i.e. Special K), with skim milk only, along with orange and/or coffee. For dinner have a healthy meal of baked fish, or baked chicken.

3. Cut down on excessive snacking throughout the day. Light, healthy snacks can include yogurt, breakfast bars, salad (with fat free dressing, no bacon bits or croutons). Beverages that contain a high amount of sugar or sodium should be eliminated from your diet and replaced with water, V8 Splash, Vitamin Water/Life Water, sugar-free juices. Alcohol intake should also be cut back.

4. Having a busy life means little time to exercise. This means you are going to have to "squeeze" in mini-exercises throughout your day. This includes taking stairs instead of elevators, parking your vehicle at a further spot than you normally do at your place of employment, grocery store, mall etc. to get in that extra walk. If possible working out for at least 30 minutes a day can aid in your weight loss goal.

5. An herbal laxative (green tea) can be used ONCE a weight to aid in your weight loss goal. DO NOT use more than once a week. Make sure that you are able to drink green tea has it can create side effects with some individuals who are on certain medications or who are prone to kidney infections/stones. The amount of caffeine consumed in other products should be monitored while taking green tea.
   
   There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking green tea, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
   Allergic reactions to green tea may occur. Stop taking green tea and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
   
   Heavy and prolonged consumption of green tea may be associated with esophageal cancer.
   
   Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of green tea. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience
   
   * heartburn
   * upset stomach
   * loss of appetite
   * constipation or diarrhea;
   * nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;
   * sleeplessness;
   * irregular heartbeats; or
   * headache.
   Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Tips & Warnings

• Patience is the key to losing weight.
• Seek your health care provider before starting this or any other diet or exercise program.
• Avoid starving yourself and/or regurgitating your meals to lose weight.
• Immediately stop this program if you are feeling any negative side effects including but not limited to (headache, nausea, faintness etc.).
• The author of this article and ehow.com are not responsible for the outcome of this diet or any effects it has on any person.

[Kelli71]

on 10/11/2008 Terrific advice!