Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Данил Сидоров Pexels Logo Photo: Данил Сидоров

What are the five steps to lose weight fast?

Follow these five steps to lose weight by eating what works for you. Track your food. Losing weight is somewhat like going on a budget. ... Identify empty calories. ... Reduce empty calorie foods. ... Replace Empty Calories. ... Step 5: To lose weight, use a smaller plate.

Does lemon and water burn belly fat?
Does lemon and water burn belly fat?

Does lemon water reduce belly fat? A. Lemon water can promote fullness, support hydration, boost metabolism, and increase weight loss. However,...

Read More »
What kind of coffee burns fat?
What kind of coffee burns fat?

black coffee Drinking black coffee before any physical activity can achieve higher calories burned both during and after the workout, as well as...

Read More »

There is a lot of debate about the best way to lose weight, especially when it comes to carbs and fat. New research has found that both low carb and low fat diets can be equally effective in helping people lose weight, especially when a high quality diet and personal behavior change are emphasized. Basically, the best weight loss diet is the one you can stick with the longest! Not sure how to start your personal weight loss plan? Follow these five steps to lose weight by eating what works for you.

Step 1. Track your food

Losing weight is somewhat like going on a budget. First you have to take inventory of what you’re “spending” calories on, and then it’s time to start trimming back. Track what you eat for 3 to 7 days, preferably including a weekend day and at least two weekdays. It doesn’t matter if you use a food journal or an app, like myfitnesspal, just be sure to include what and how much you eat. Don’t forget to keep track of beverages as well!

Step 2. Identify empty calories.

Step two involves going over your food journal and identifying foods high in empty calories. Empty calorie foods are those that have a high amount of added sugars, added fats or energy compared to the amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals they provide. Basically, empty calorie foods have a lot of calories but otherwise very little nutritional value. Check out the list below for examples of foods high in empty calories.

Top sources of empty calories

Sugar-sweetened beverages- sweet tea, coffee drinks, sodas, flavored milk, most juice drinks,

Baked goods- cookies, cakes, pastries, muffins, sweet breads, desserts

Dairy-ice cream, yogurt, flavored milk and creamers

Fried foods- fast food, French fries, fried chicken

Processed meats-hot dogs, salami, bologna, pepperoni, bacon, sausage

Snack foods- granola bars, cereal, crackers, chips, candy, chocolate

Alcoholic beverages

Step 3. Reduce empty calorie foods

Now that you have identified your personal top sources of empty calories, work towards cutting them out. A good rule of thumb is to spend less than 10% of your calorie budget on empty calories. For example, someone trying to lose weight on a 1500 calorie diet, would need to keep empty calories to 150 calories per day or less. That’s just a ½ cup of ice cream, 12oz of beer or 15 potato chips! For weight loss, save room in your diet for small portions of your favorite treats, but fill up mostly on healthy foods.

Step 4. Replace Empty Calories

Is omelette a good breakfast?
Is omelette a good breakfast?

Omelets are the perfect breakfast option. They're healthy, filling, and they're simply delicious. They're even great for both vegetarians and meat...

Read More »
What shot boosts your metabolism?
What shot boosts your metabolism?

Some people use lipotropic injections to aid fat loss and lose weight. The purpose of these injections is to speed up the metabolism of fat.

Read More »

Filling up on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and small amounts of healthy fats is not just good for your waistline, it’s also good for your health! The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and many health organizations recommend a plant based, whole foods diet for disease prevention. For weight loss, make at least half your plate non-starchy vegetables, and pair with a lean protein such as chicken, fish, beans, tofu or seafood. Round out your meals with whole grains, starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn, and fruit, and small amounts of healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and avocado.

Step 5: To lose weight, use a smaller plate

Even if you eat mostly healthy foods, your weight loss efforts will be hampered if you are eating too much! Portion control is the key to weight loss. An easy way to eat smaller portions is to use smaller plates, bowls and utensils. At restaurants, pack up half your meal to go before eating. Next, start paying attention to serving sizes listed on food labels and compare them to what you normally eat. Chances are, you may be eating way more than you realize! Did you know that ½ cup of ice cream or pasta is considered one serving? For help figuring out the best portion sizes for weight loss, check out this portion size guide. For more tips on how to lose weight, check out Seven Steps to Lose Weight Without Dieting. If you are trying to lose weight or need help figuring out the best diet for you, call us today at 301-288-1319 to set up an appointment with our Registered Dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.

Is aspartame harmful to the body?
Is aspartame harmful to the body?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that “the use of aspartame as a general purpose sweetener… is safe.” Feb 11, 2019

Read More »
Who should avoid apple cider vinegar?
Who should avoid apple cider vinegar?

7. Drug interactions Diabetes medication. People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously...

Read More »
Does your clothing size change after tummy tuck?
Does your clothing size change after tummy tuck?

Having said this, most women after a tummy tuck will go down a size or two. Some will go down even more! However, some patients will not have a...

Read More »
How many cups of apple cider vinegar should you put in your bath?
How many cups of apple cider vinegar should you put in your bath?

2 cups A person can add 1–2 cups of ACV to a warm bath and soak for 20–30 minutes. Doing this regularly may be enough to promote overall skin...

Read More »