Top 10 Ways to Shed Those Pounds

by Dr. Karen Yale - D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N., F.I.A.M.A.

Besides quitting smoking, shedding pounds is a top New Year's resolution. Come March, however, about 70 percent of the well-intentioned have given up. But you don't have to suffer the same fate. Make 2010 the year you reach your weight goals by following these top 10 strategies...

1. Set reasonable goals. If you drink two sodas a day, cut back to a soda a day, then a soda every other day. Keep your goals reasonable, realistic, and reachable. Once you achieve one goal, set new ones for yourself.

2. Add, don't subtract. Most weight goals involve cutting back, leaving you feeling deprived. Instead, add foods to your diet, especially fiber. Eat as many fruits and vegetables you can with each meal. Not only will you feel full and satisfied, you'll also start a natural cleanse.

3. Find exercise you enjoy. If exercise feels like work you're not going to stick with it. Find something fun for you whether it's dancing, bowling, walking with a friend, or joining a volleyball team.

4. Don't starve yourself. When you're fighting hunger pangs, you're likely to reach for unhealthy snacks. Keep fruits, vegetables and other low calorie snacks handy.

5. Put the scale away. After two or three days, you'll be tempted to step on the scale, but give yourself two weeks before you weigh in.

6. Stay busy. Many of us eat out of boredom or habit not because we're hungry. Find something to do during those periods to keep your mind off of food like tackling a cleaning job or phoning a friend.

7. Brush your teeth. It's an old trick, but one that works for me. When your mouth is fresh and clean you reconsider eating something immediately afterwards.

8. Chew gum. While some may think it's an unattractive habit, studies now suggest chewing sugarless gum burns more calories, plus it keeps your mouth occupied and focused on something other than eating.

9. Be patient with yourself. It's easy to slip up every now and then. We all do. The trick is to not beat yourself up and commit to doing better at your next meal.

10. Take vitamins. In a perfect world, we'd get all the nutrition, vitamins and minerals from our three perfectly balanced daily meals. Few of us do this. Even if you think you're eating right, modern food processing can deplete whatever nutrients were originally in the food. That's why vitamins are so important, especially for those who are trying to reach their weight goals. It starts with a good, high-quality multivitamin.

I like Botanic Choice's Whole Foods Power Multi, which includes 43 vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids and antioxidants like Vitamin C. For those seeking weight support AND total health, nothing beats Apple Cider Vinegar Plus with Green Tea, the best-selling supplement that jumpstarts weight control, suppresses your appetite, and provides the nutrients your body needs.

More Articles About Weight Loss and Dieting

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The health information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician. Testimonials reflect one person's experience. Individual results may vary. Website prices subject to change without notice. All discounts herein are based upon catalog prices, and do not necessarily reflect, nor may they be combined with other discount offers in our catalogs and flyers. Due to their unique specialization in vitamin therapy and clinical nutrition, our doctors are provided compensation for their expertise.