*before i start this, i must note that this is supposed to be positive. i don't like to call it dieting, just eating healthier and exercising more for in sake of my health,as i have a very low immune system. however, it can be taken in measure of dieting. after doing this for about a month, i have noticed that i feel better physically and mentally, so please don't take desperate measures in losing weight. this is not for purposes of losing weight, but having a healthier lifestyle. it makes a more appeasing plate, health benefits, cheaper grocery bills, and the like. i know this is a touchy subject for many, but i will delete and/or block rude comments.
1. make a list of clean foods you enjoy and foods you enjoy that aren't good for you.
for example, small things, such as cup ramen are high in sodium, calories, and fat. research as much as you can!
2. download the fitnesspal app!
when you enter in your information, it will give you a calorie goal to meet everyday. mine is 1,200 calories a day, but i'm quite petite and have a very low activity level. for somebody who is on their feet all day i'm sure it would be much higher. it is altered by how much exercise you do as well, and is proven a healthy calorie counter.
3. exercise, of course!
again, apps are key. if you're a very busy person, the tabata timer is a good app for you. it counts 20 second exercises and 10 second rests for small exercises you can do. try to go for a walk at least once a week. fresh air is good for you as well. when doing strength exercises, focus on one part of your body one day, and another the next. you need at least 24 hours of relaxation to see improvement. what i mean by this is that if you do situps Monday, skip Tuesday, do Wednesday.
good apps for working out are daily workouts and their independent workout apps. they also have another one for yoga called simply yoga. it's easy to use and has a timer, gif to show you how to do the exercise, as well as instructions.
4. drink water!
8 cups a day is ideal. drinking water helps your metabolism (add lemon), improves skin, detoxifies, protects vital organs, and regulates body temperature.
it also helps for a more full feeling and keeps you hydrated. even before starting this, i didn't drink soda. if you don't like all the water, drink juice! juice is high in nutrients and vitamins and often a good alternative for soda.
5. the little things.
ever heard of smelling apples or bananas can help you lose weight? don't know why? smelling apples and bananas make you feel satiated. if you find yourself eating out of boredom, trying eating a banana or an apple, or just smell it. it's a bit weird, but it works.
eat on blue dishes! the least appetizing colour is blue and often poisonous foods are blue, leading the mind to tell you not to eat it. it reduces portion size.
6. have a cheat day!
having a cheat day once a week restarts your metabolism and helps it work faster. bodybuilders use this trick often. it doesn't severely hurt your diet, but don't overeat! overeating makes you hungrier and releases a hormone called ghrelin which makes you eat more. however, the cheat day also helps your get into focus of what you're putting in your body and inspires you to eat better the rest of the week.
7. DONT STARVE YOURSELF!
If you're hungry, eat. Eating under your calorie goal can slow down your metabolism, and when you do eat, you eat more and it makes you gain more weight. Snack three times a day and eat three full meals. Don't look at this the wrong way, do it for a more positive you.
8. keep yourself busy!
write, draw, even blog. talking to friends is a good thing to do to keep yourself not eating out of boredom. a good hint you're not having a healthy diet is not being able to enjoy life. it's a lifestyle change, but still something you can live life with. don't isolate yourself.
Again, this is for people who have a goal in mind and want to get fit. I'm not promoting dieting if you are comfortable with your body. Like I said, I'm doing this for health reasons. You can check out my food blog for meal ideas at lavenderroads.tumblr.com which I often use.