Forget fad dieting

Succeeding on any weight loss regime depends on our ability to have a positive attitude and adopt long term healthy habits. Here are what I consider to be the seven most important tips for successful weight loss. You may not get them right all of the time but if you just aim to do your best, success will come from being persistent not perfect.

Breakfast
Nothing beats a power breakfast, I call it 'stoking the metabolic fire'. Too many refined carbohydrates at breakfast could lead to cravings or an energy slump later on. Try to incorporate protein and fibre to help you go the distance.

Stay hydrated
Drinking water really does help with weight loss. Water is also good for your skin and your digestion. If you are dehydrated your metabolism will not be working at its full potential. Stress headaches are usually an indication that you should be drinking more.

Re-fuel
Try to eat regularly, it helps your body get more nutrients which in return helps keep your energy levels on an even keel. Having healthy snacks available in-between meals will prevent the late afternoon sugar binges. High energy levels depend on meal frequency and also meal size. It's important to eat only as much as your body requires for the next two to three hours. If your meal or snack is too high in calories it will lower your energy levels. Snacks should be less than 200 calories, ideal snacks are low glycemic choices including healthy fats or protein.

Relax
World class athletes need recovery days regularly factored into their training regimes and busy women are no different, you cannot run at full speed forever. A successful woman takes care of herself and isn't afraid to take time out. It may not be a ten day holiday but even just reading a book or having a facial can give you some much needed recovery time. A long luxurious bath is a great way to relax, so is spending time with children or family.

Sleep
Getting enough sleep helps improve energy and performance throughout the day. On average we require between seven and nine hours sleep a night. A sleep study in America concluded chronic sleep loss may speed the onset or increase the severity of age-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and memory loss. The researchers showed that just one week of sleep deprivation altered subject's hormone levels and their capacity to metabolise carbohydrates.

Supplement your diet
If you lead a stressful lifestyle then supplementing your diet with a good quality multiple vitamin and mineral formula makes good sense. The word supplement means 'add to' so in conjunction with a healthy diet the addition of omega 3 oils and a quality multi-vitamin will give you the nutritional edge. Think of it as an insurance policy against deficiencies.

Exercise
If you want to maintain a healthy body and have energy then you need to exercise. Exercise helps eat up stress and gives you more energy throughout the day. Cardiovascular exercise will help pump more blood and nutrients into your cells, you will be better nourished and have more endurance.

+ More weight loss tips at Gloss

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