How to Lose 10 Pounds by 2010

2009 started with the promise of New Year's Resolutions won. This was the year they would be kept, this would be the year the gym membership would be used, the cobwebs would be dusted off the walking shoes, the money would be saved sans lattes and fast food...but...not so much.

As we look remorsefully back at the year the weight lose wasn't...we must remember that it is not too late. A few simple little lifestyle adjustments and those ten pounds will melt away and 2010 will roll in with a slimmer, healthier you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Will Power
• You

1. 
    

   Modify Your Diet
   
   Limit sweets and cut fast food. Keep healthy snacks in the house.
   
   Start each day with ¼ cup of oatmeal and fruit or 2 hardboiled eggs. You can actually have the eggs cooked anyway you like...just use no or low calorie cooking spray in your pan.
   
   Keep your lunch calories at about 300 and eat a variety of foods. Make sure each meal contains lean protein. You don't need to cut carbs - just remember that protein and fat help sustain blood sugar levels so you'll have more sustained energy.
   
   Keep dinner between 600 and 700 calories and make sure your plate is colored with lots of veggies.
   
   Do not deprive yourself...if you want a Snickers...have a Snickers. Don't have a carrot - only to have the Snickers later. Eat it and move on.

2. 
    

   Get Moving
   
   Walk down the hall at work instead of sending that email. Walk during your break...and bring a work buddy. Get up ½ hour earlier and either walk to move to an exercise video. Pump it up on the weekends...if the weather is nice go roller blading or bike riding or hike a country path...whatever you do keep it up for at least an hour.

3. 
    

   Drink Lots of Water...Avoid Sugary Drinks
   
   Drink plenty of water. Sometimes we think we are hungry when we are really thirsty. Try to avoid sugary drinks. If you must have a sugared Coke each day...remember to factor the calories into your daily allotment.

4. 
    

   Be Realistic With Yourself
   
   If you drink a latte each morning - count the 150 to 200 calories you are consuming. If you can't live without M&Ms...allocated a limited amount you can eat a day and do it late afternoon...as something to look forward to.

5. 
    

   Get a Hobby
   
   The more active you are the less likely you are to eat because there is nothing else to do.

Tips & Warnings

• A very good friend in college once told me -- Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.

Resources

• Lose Weight Easily and Effortlessly

[paulusgrandis]

on 11/27/2009 Yes..this is definitely my goal! Thanks for the tips! :) 5*

[josh4q]

on 11/4/2009 Great article! I hope this works for me! 5*

[stratus]

on 10/31/2009 Excellent Healthy Tips! Thanks so much.

[barbarastanley]

on 10/31/2009 Great article on losing weight by 2010. 5*

[riefderrico]

on 10/30/2009 I am in the process of dropping at least 10 pounds before 2010, 8 down 2 to go ;)