Something magical happens every year on the 4th of July here in San Diego...the sun comes out. No matter how gray May is or how much gloom covers June, the 4th of July is always beautiful. From then on you're hard pressed to find a cloud in the sky. So what does that mean for you? There's only 6 weeks until summer! I know, it caught me off guard too. However, I have come up with a simple 6 week plan that will have you looking and feeling great in plenty of time for summer!
Week 1: Track your food - You need to know where you are in order to figure out how to get to where you want to be. Track your food for one week to get an idea of what you are eating. My favorite site is The Daily Plate found on the Livestrong website. It's easy and free. I also hear the iPhone app is excellent...although I'm a Blackberry girl so I wouldn't know.
Week 2: Watch your calories - Unfortunately weight loss isn't as easy as calories in vs. calories out, but it's an important place to start. Shoot for a 500 calorie deficit per day for a 1lb per week weight loss. Make sure not to go too low when it comes to calories. It will either result in you binging or your body going into starvation mode.
Week 3: Eat breakfast...everyday! - You're Grandma was right, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jump starts your metabolism and gets your body moving for the day. Make sure you make time for breakfast everyday (coffee doesn't count!) even if it means waking up a few minutes early. Your grandma also wants to make sure you wear a hat and would it kill you to pick up the phone once in a while?
Week 4: Focus on your protein - Protein will keep you full much longer than carbohydrates alone. Make sure you are getting enough protein by including a good source of protein at each meal and snack.
Week 5: Snack away - Make sure you incorporate a snack every afternoon. I know you're busy but a quick 200-300 calorie snack is going to keep your metabolism going and keep you from over eating at dinner...or finishing the entire bag of chips before you even make it to dinner.
Week 6: Cut out the salt - Extra sodium wreaks havoc on your body, however with regards to your bathing suit it will cause you to retain water and have a nice layer of bloat over that 6 pack you've been working on. Make sure to keep you sodium under 2400mg/day. Hidden sources of sodium: eating out, deli meat, breads, pasta.
Follow these simple steps and I promise you will be looking and feeling great by the time the 4th rolls around!
Tara Coleman is a Clinical Nutritionist specializing in healthy weight loss, sports nutrition and vitality. She has been featured as an expert on Fox News and in Runner's World Magazine.
For more information and nutrition tips visit http://www.TaraColeman.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tara_Coleman
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