So, you've decided to lose weight. Or you've already lost it, but your biggest fear is gaining it back. How familiar! Maintaining a perfect figure isn't easy—it's a skill, a skill that requires a mastery.
At the same time, experts say that a great figure without a single extra pound is no great achievement. Simply put, it's not that hard to lose weight—it's much harder to maintain it.
Of course, this mastery has its secrets—where would we be without them? But these secrets are so banal that few people take them seriously, trying to find some exotic “magician's rule.” And there is no rule. There are perfectly reasonable arguments from intelligent people who approach weight loss from a scientific perspective and try to convey this very point to us.
They, in particular, tirelessly repeat the benefits of proper nutrition . Under no circumstances should the amount of nutrients in the food we consume be reduced. And just because some dieters are obsessed with carbohydrates or fats, for example, doesn't mean the human body can survive without them. It will still get its fill, but where it gets it from is another matter: from bones, internal organs, blood… And it will store some away for future use, in case of a prolonged diet.
Incidentally, a specialist will never suggest you drastically reduce your calorie intake . There's a daily calorie limit that's best not to exceed, but you should never underestimate it. You'll lose weight, of course, but you'll also lose vitality, and you won't have enough energy for even the most basic things. That's why you shouldn't immediately go on a hunger strike—it won't achieve anything, it'll only deplete your body.
Weight loss professionals say that a normal portion of food for someone who wants to stay in shape should be no larger than a deck of cards. Those trying to lose weight usually specify what kind of deck they're talking about: playing cards or tarot cards.
Another rather trivial secret that many ignore is: don't underestimate drinks . Many of our favorite liquids are far more caloric than a good serving of porridge with butter. Before drinking a glass of juice, it's worth checking its calorie content. For example, grape and peach juices, all sodas, and coffee with cocoa have been noted as liquid enemies of an ideal figure.
Forget about white flour ! This “wizard's rule” is practically fundamental. The thing is, baked goods made with white flour and other products made with it increase blood sugar levels. This forces your pancreas to work harder, producing insulin.
The main psychological rule of healthy eating is that it should be noticeable to your brain . This is why it's recommended to eat slowly, without rushing, so that your brain notices that you've eaten and are full, and doesn't ask for more.
There's no need to beat yourself up over the fact that you once took a tiny bite of cream puff pastry in the midst of yet another strict diet. Humans are subject to small weaknesses; that's what makes them human.
Keeping a food diary is very helpful. By recording everything you eat for a week, you'll get a clear picture of your overeating.
You'll never believe the most important “Wizard's Rule” for weight loss. It states: you 'll never be able to lose weight and keep it off if you're trying to lose it for anyone but yourself. Once you realize that your extra pounds aren't really bothering anyone but you, you'll make a final decision about whether to lose weight or not. Incidentally, not everyone chooses the former.