The Basics of Weight Loss

Although there is a lot of contradictory information when it comes to weight loss, there are some basics that the majority agree upon. Some of these may be obvious to most people but I'll outline them here in any case, to make sure that everybody is on the same page.

1. Minimise Sugar

This has been pretty much agreed upon by now by most parties. Stay away from soft drinks and cordial. Avoid processed fruit juice, even those with "no added sugar". Straight juice, even on it's own, has a lot of sugar content. Many sauces and the like are high in sugar. If in doubt, check the ingredients label and use sparingly.

2. Avoid refined carbohydrates.

White bread, white flour and white rice are definitely off the menu. If you want to eat rice, your best option is brown basmati rice which has quite a low GI (Glycemic Index). That means that, although it will convert to glucose in the blood, it will do so more slowly than the more refined product (white rice) and is less likely to result in that glucose being converted to fat. Even brown breads from the supermarket can be deceiving. Sometimes they just add brown colouring. If you're serious about weight loss, try to avoid bread altogether.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most fattening foods out there. They're especially bad when in the form of chips or crisps. Substitute sweet potato instead of the regular white variety.

4. Ensure you're getting your full complement of vitamins & minerals.

The body does a much better job of converting food to energy when all the required nutrients are available. Make sure you are taking a good quality multivitamin. There are many cheap brands that are available from the chemist and even the health food store that aren't worth taking. Of course, we recommend you take Herbalife Multivitamin Complex.

5. Engage in some activity

While it's not necessary to do vigorous physical exercise or have a gym membership, it is recommended that some light exercise is done each day. Bodies require movement. They do much better even when you just go for a brisk walk each day. If you do want to do more than that, even better.

6. Stay hydrated

Make sure you're getting sufficient water each day to help the body perform it's processes. Coffee and tea don't count as they are somewhat dehydrating. Drink clean, purified water. Ideally, invest in a water purifier and have a flask you can use. It's a lot better than constantly buying plastic bottles full of water.

7. Get enough fibre

Fibre is important because it makes you feel full. It keeps you going until your next meal and is a great hunger suppressant. It also keeps you regular.

8. Get enough protein.

Protein is essential for building muscle and body tissues. Protein converts to glucose in the body at a slower pace than carbohydrates and so is not going to be converted to fat. Because the glucose is released more slowly it will also keep your hunger at bay for longer.

9. Stay focused on your goal

Last but not least, keep reminders around you of why you want to lose the weight. If the goal is to be able to fit into that dress, have a picture of it, somewhere you will see it regularly. You might want to put it on the fridge! If you're attention is constantly drawn back to the end goal, you're more likely to succeed and resist temptation.