How to Take off the Winter Weight Safely and Forever

With Memorial Day behind us, we are now getting into the complete summer mode. Schools are getting out, the pools are opening up and summer trips are being planned. It is time to get out your warmer weather clothing including shorts, tank tops and swimsuits. During the chilly wintertime, several Americans gain weight and become more sedentary due to the colder climate. Now it is May and you are regretting eatingso much over the holidays and wishing you had not have stopped exercising either. The following tips will assist you to kick start your weight loss and get youinto shape just in time to put on that swimsuit next month. Phrases such as eat less and move more will be discussed like packing a healthier lunch in paper sacks or only eating half of yourmeal at a restaurant and using to go bags for the remainder. Also, find an exercise that you like- that is half of the battle people are not sure exactly how much they weigh because they tend to resist stepping on the scale when deep down they know it is not what they want to see. So, step on the scale to get an accurate point to start your weight loss program. Then make a realistic plan for your weight loss. The smartest way to do it is to lose no more than a couple of pounds each week, slow and steady wins the race.

Step Two: Diet
The biggest issue with most Americans is that they have a distorted sense of what makes a proper portion. It is no coincidence that the size of portions at restaurants and fast food joints have gotten bigger while the size of Americans have gotten fatter too. Use a small salad plate instead of a large dinner plate to avoid loading too much on your plate. Initially, to kick start your weight loss, reduce the amount of sugar and carbs and increase theportion of vegetables and fresh fruits. Meats and proteins should be only 1/3of your meal with veggies taking up 2/3 of it.

Step Three: Exercise
Many people that struggle with their weight say they hate exercising. Struggling on a treadmill is not really fun so be creative in finding things you like to do. If you enjoy nature, go on a long hike everyday where you can be in the outdoors. You should havedo 60 minutes of cardio exercise six days a week and 5 days a week of resistance and weight lifting exercises. You may want to hire a professional personal trainer to get you started and to give you exercises that you can do.

Step Four: Include Friends and Family in Your plan
People that embark on a weight loss and exercise program have better achievement if they tell their family and friends in their program. Support can be a huge motivator and could make the difference in getting the results that you wantbeing successful with your goal.