New Year Weight Loss

Lovin' Scoopful wants to be here for you as you work to stick with your resolutions in 2011, but in some cases we want to help you amend those resolutions to healthier alternatives that are easier to live with and stick with. A large percentage of adults vow to go on a diet to lose weight come January 1. Most of those individuals give up on this plan before the end of January because they try to make drastic changes with little thought to practicality. Here are a couple of alternatives to consider.

1. You've promised yourself you'll lose that extra 10 (or 100) pounds by cutting out snacks and slashing calories.
The problem: You've cut out too much too fast. You're more likely to drop your plan when the changes are drastic.
Suggestion: Cut your intake of calories by 10-15% (about 200 calories). You can do this by making a change to just one meal each day or you can make minor changes over the course of the day. An easy way to do this is to select a few healthier alternatives to your current course of food. Have a piece of fruit and something with whole grain for breakfast. Instead of a milk shake mid afternoon (which can have over 500 calories), eat 1/2 a cup of Lovin' Scoopful Ice Cream which has about 120 calories. When it comes to your evening meal, one of the most significant changes you can make is EAT EARLIER! Stop eating at least 3 hours before you go to bed and make sure your evening meal is NOT the largest one of the day.

2. You're going to join a gym whether you can afford the membership or not.
The problem: If you don't already have a gym membership, start by joining one that allows you to pay month to month. Gym memberships can be beneficial for those that need help with motivation, especially if you have a "gym buddy" but there are other alternatives, particularly in the beginning.
Suggestion: There are dozens of ways to get exercise without a membership. Here are a few of the ways you can start. MANUAL LABOR is a great way to get some things done around the house, build muscles, and lose weight. Rather than paying someone to do work inside and outside of your house, take care of some of the chores yourself. Try ISOMETRIC EXERCISES at your desk or even driving to/from work. Sit up straight and tighten your stomach muscles or clinch your thighs/buttocks. Do this a minimum of 15 minutes 3 times a day and you'll feel the difference quickly!

More tips over the coming days and weeks, so check back frequently.