9 Weight Loss Tips You Should Follow

You want to follow through and actually lose your weight, but you’re tired of the same old advice to eat more vegetables, limit you portions and exercise more. Diet experts came up with lesser known weight loss tips that will quickly turn a non-believer into a total believer. Here are nine diet tips you may not have not heard yet. Some involve different ways to eat, or adding certain foods to your diet. Others involve learning new behaviors or strategies to help you stay on track. The benefit of weight loss clinics is that they offer quick weight loss plans along with FDA approved weight loss products for those who meet the need.

Weight Loss Tip No. 1: Variety Is Overrated

Who hasn't heard the advice to "just take a bite of everything" if you're at a buffet? But as it turns out, variety doesn't deserve its good reputation, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago dietitian and author of The Flexitarian Diet.

"We know that variety makes you eat more," she says, citing several published studies and her own experience in counseling weight loss patients.

For example, researchers in France found that study participants ate more french fries when they were offered catsup and mayonnaise along with them. And when they were given the option of having cream or whipped cream with their brownies, they ate more than when the brownies were offered plain.

Other researchers have found that people who have been able to maintain weight loss tend to eat diets with limited variety.

Weight Loss Tip No. 2: Have Barley for Breakfast

"Barley is the new oatmeal," says Jackson Blatner.

Barley got its hunger-fighting reputation after Swedish researchers found that eating barley or rye kernels for breakfast kept blood sugar on an even keel. That's because the carbs in barley and rye kernels are "low glycemic index," meaning they raise blood sugar more slowly than some other carbohydrate foods. This helps you avoid a spike, and then a drop, in blood sugar, which can leave you feeling famished.

One caveat: "Buy hulled barely, not pearl barley," Jackson Blatner says. The Swedish researchers used minimally processed hull barley, and they can't vouch for the same effects for more processed forms, such as pearl barley.

Weight Loss Tip No. 3: Beef Up Your Lunch Salad

One of the most common mistakes dieters make is to eat a vegetable salad with little or no dressing for lunch, says Joan Salge Blake, RD, professor of nutrition at Boston University and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Then they are starving by mid-afternoon," she says.

A salad is a great choice, she says, if you add some protein and a little fat to help keep you feeling full longer.

Top your greens with a 3 oz piece of chicken breast, and you've added about 26 grams of protein but just 140 calories. Add about two tablespoons of light salad dressing, and your salad may be filling enough to get you through the 3 p.m. hunger slump without hitting the vending machine.

Weight Loss Tip No. 4: Stock Up on Frozen Vegetables

Sure, fresh vegetables are delicious and nutritious. But faced with the need to scrape a carrot, wash and slice a zucchini, or cut broccoli into florets, many of us say, "Too much trouble!" and reach for chips instead.
To make things easier, stock your freezer with frozen vegetables, Blake tells dieters.

"They are already clean, chopped and ready to cook in the microwave," she says. "It's like having Rachael Ray in the freezer."

An even better way to be sure you eat more vegetables: Cook the frozen veggies ahead of time. Microwave the whole bag of green beans, for instance. Then keep them in the refrigerator, ready to dump into canned soups, add to a salad, or just eat by the handful.

Weight Loss Tip No. 5: Make Yourself a Party Tray

The type of party tray Jackson Blatner is talking about is a big vegetable platter, maybe with some low-fat dip on the site -- the kind you put on the buffet for weight-conscious guests.

But this one is just for you and any interested family members. Keep it in the fridge at eye level, encouraging you to snack healthy and avoid the higher-calorie contents of your refrigerator.

Several studies have found that we tend to eat more when food is within easy reach. Secretaries who placed candy on their desks ate about 48% more than when the candy was 6 feet away, according to research by Brian Wansink, PhD, director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University.

Weight Loss Tip No. 6: Turn Down the Thermostat

Spending time in a chilly house -- about 61 degrees Fahrenheit -- may boost the fat-burning power of the "brown fat" in your body.

Brown fat is considered "good" fat, as opposed to regular or white fat, which stores calories and tends to accumulate. Researchers believe that lean people have more of the brown type of fat, and that the amount of brown fat a person has declines with age.

Scandinavian researchers found that exposure to these chilly temperatures boosted the metabolic rate of brown fat 15-fold, helping burn more calories.

But Jackson Blatner cautions not to expect too much: "It's not going to be any kind of a miracle," she says. And beware if you're the type who eats more when you feel cold.

Weight Loss Tip No. 7: Downsize Your Dinnerware

Experts say they've seen it again and again: The larger your plate, the more you're likely to put on it. So serving your meals on smaller plates can help you eat less.

But don't throw out those dinner plates, Blake suggests. Use the smaller, lunch-size plates to serve dinner, and use the dinner plates for salads.

Weight Loss Tip No. 8: Go Out for Treats

If you're the type who overdoes it on sweets and snacks, Jackson Blatner suggests, make yourself work a little for your favorite indulgences. Don't keep them in the house, but give yourself permission to go out and get them when you really need to.

Want a brownie? You have to go to the bakery. Craving a frozen yogurt? You must find the nearest frozen yogurt shop.

"The more hassle tasty treats are, the less likely you are to eat them," says Jackson Blatner, who does this herself and finds her sweets consumption has declined without making her feel deprived.

Weight Loss Tip No. 9: Try on Your Skinny Jeans Every Friday

Find a pair of pants that is tight, but not impossible to zip, Blake suggests to her weight loss patients. "Every Friday morning, try them on," she says.

Why Friday? Weekends are typically a tougher time to stay on diets, she says. And the Friday morning try-on will motivate you to watch your eating during the weekend.

"If they are loose, you will say to yourself 'I am making progress, I am staying on track during the weekend,''' she says.

And if they're snug? That will provide motivation to stick to your diet so they'll fit better next week, she says.

Visit wwwAmericanWeightLossCenter.com for more information and easy weight loss programs.

Love That Workout

Working out is key to your overall health and well-being, as well as to the success of simple weight reduction programs and weight loss products. At our medical weight loss clinics, we love for our clients to get into the mindset of enjoying their workouts, instead of feeling like they “have” to work out. We already know that it takes dedication for quick weight loss programs to work, so we want to make sure that the clients of our medical weight loss centers, including our Orange County medical weight loss program and Pasadena weight loss clinic, will enjoy themselves on their path to transformation.

The first step is to find workouts that are truly enjoyable to you. When you’re working so hard to achieve success with quick weight loss programs or appetite suppressants such as FDA approved medical weight loss pills, the last thing you want to do is to force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. Instead, find something you love to do so that it won't be a chore and you'll want to do it—and then report the results back to one of our weight loss clinics so we can share your success story with others!

We always remind the clients at our weight loss clinics that exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be done at the gym. There’s rock climbing, surfing, trekking… the list goes on and on. Think about what you loved doing as a child or what you wish you had time for. If you always wanted to learn how to play tennis, it’s never too late, sign up for a class now. Same with horseback riding, dance, and sports. If you love the outdoors, start hiking, roller skating, swimming or bicycling... or join an outdoor football or softball league and get moving in a fun, social atmosphere. If you’re already taking a Zumba class and know that you love dance, incorporate another type of dance into your schedule, like bellydancing or hip-hop.

One of the clients of our Orange County weight loss program shared with us that she’s taken up trapeze at a nearby aerial school! The possibilities are truly unlimited and will only enhance the results of any quick weight loss plan or medical weight loss programs.

The point is, find something you like and get moving. You’ll have a blast, feel amazing afterwards and do wonders for your quick weight loss plan and the success of all types of easy weight loss programs. The best weight loss programs will inspire you to get past the idea of basing your success on medical diet pills and focused on making changes in your lifestyle and mindset. When you find a workout that you love, share it with the staff at one of our medical weight loss centers so they can share it with other clients for inspiration!

Get support and info about medical weight loss programs, weight loss products and FDA approved weight loss pills at our Pasadena medical weight loss center or any of our Orange County medical weight loss clinics. Visit AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to find a location near you.

Exercise to Shed the Excess

Exercise is a great way to shed pounds by burning a few extra calories, especially when you’re working with easy weight loss programs or a quick weight loss plan. At our weight loss clinics and Orange County medical weight loss center, whether you’re on a plan that includes FDA approved medical weight loss pills, nutritional counseling or weight loss products, we highly recommend that our clients begin some sort of safe exercise program.

If a person who weighs 200 pounds walks for an hour, they will burn approximately 228 calories. Ballroom dancing for that same person burns 273 calories. Bicycling at a leisurely pace burns 364 calories. That type of caloric burn is a great way to enhance the effectiveness of medical weight loss and quick weight loss programs.

Exercise also motivates people to eat healthier—another crucial component of the effectiveness of easy weight loss programs. Think about this for a moment; the work you do for an hour to burn 228 calories could be obliterated in a second by eating a single doughnut. When you’re trying to fit into that new wardrobe or achieve a weight loss goal through quick weight loss programs or the use of FDA approved medical weight loss pills, blowing calories on empty foods can be catastrophic. If you’re having trouble overcoming those kinds of binges, try working out—the feeling you have afterward will make you think twice about damaging your results. Speak to the staff at one of our medical weight loss clinics or Orange County weight loss center to learn some safe, effective exercise plans to try out that will supplement any quick weight loss plan.

Get support and info about medical weight loss programs and appetite suppressants at our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to find a location near you.

Kicking the Sugar Habit

Ever wondered why it's so hard to eat just one piece of chocolate, one cookie or one doughnut? Chocolates, sweets, cheeses and meats cause the release of dopamine, a neurochemical that in turn stimulates the pleasure centers in our brains—the result is a kind of addiction. Even when you’ve worked with easy weight loss programs, weight loss products or FDA approved weight loss pills, you know that the sugar craving can snowball if you give in to just one bite. The consumption of that much sugar can be very detrimental to your quick weight loss plan.

The best way to manage this addiction depends on each individual. Going cold turkey works well for most people while gradually reducing exposure works for others. Stress and sleep deprivation can reduce your defenses, whereas appetite suppressants or medical weight loss pills can help (at our weight loss clinics, we only recommend FDA approved medical weight loss pills). If you’ve started one of our easy weight loss programs or on a quick weight loss plan, you’ll find that avoiding sugar is key to successful weight loss. There are many weight loss products as part of medical weight loss or quick weight loss programs that can help curb your craving for sugar.

Visit one of our weight loss clinics or our Orange County medical weight loss center and learn how to kick the habit with one of our quick weight loss programs. Whether you’re looking for medical diet pills or want to try our Orange County weight loss program, our staff is happy to give you information on the safest ways to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com for the locations of our medical weight loss centers and Orange County weight loss clinics.

The Right Foods For Weight Loss

Whether you’ve begun a quick weight loss plan or one of our easy weight loss programs, there are some basic facts about weight loss that need to be considered. You must cut down caloric intake, exercise regularly and watch your consumption of certain foods. Working with weight loss clinics, FDA approved medical weight loss pills or using various weight loss products can also be helpful, but if you want to successfully lose weight and keep it off, cut down on the meat and cheese. This is a fundamental aspect of most easy weight loss programs and medical weight loss plans.

According to a study conducted in Europe, the more meat you eat, the fatter you'll be. This monumental study (known as the Epic Project) followed 300,000 Europeans over 20 years. By the end of the study, they noted that those who ate meat on a regular basis had a much harder time maintaining their weight during the 20 years they were followed.  

Try going a meal or two, or even a day or two, without eating any meat or dairy products. You’ll find that it’s easier to achieve success with quick weight loss programs and keep the weight off. On your next visit to our Orange County medical weight loss center or other weight loss clinics, speak to your physician about the alternatives to meat and dairy and how those foods affect your quick weight loss plan. Sometimes, even when you’re using appetite suppressants, medical diet pills or other weight loss products, you still may have a craving that you want to know how to overcome in a healthy manner.

Get support and info about medical weight loss, quick weight loss programs and FDA approved weight loss pills at one of our our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to find a location near you.

Is your workplace making you fat?

Snacks and food in the workplace can often be a source of contention for those who are trying to implement a structured slim down program or a quick weight loss plan. Even when you’re using FDA approved medical weight loss pills or other weight loss products to assist with weight loss, it can be difficult to avoid the doughnuts or other treats coworkers may bring in.

It can be especially frustrating when you’ve cleared all the tempting food out of your house per recommendation of the array of medical weight loss and quick weight loss programs available, only to come into the office to find all sorts of sinful food. Even when you bring in a healthy lunch, you still have to face vending machines full of junk food when you hit the break room.

We hear this complaint all the time at our weight loss clinics and medical weight loss centers, and understand how difficult it can be. As part of our easy weight loss programs, we like to offer clients advice on how to stay on track in the most tempting situations.

A great start is to try to avoid the break room as much as possible. Despite our best efforts, and even when using appetite suppressants or FDA approved medical weight loss pills, sometimes it’s just too difficult to avoid junk food. Put a small coffee maker or electric kettle in your office or cubicle, and eat your lunch outside when you can. It’s also great for those working with quick weight loss programs to take walks after lunch—the fresh air will do you good and you’ll get the blood pumping. This kind of activity also helps lower stress levels.

The sight of food can be very powerful—again, even those working with weight loss products, medical diet pills or appetite suppressants are not immune to the sight of fattening foods. As part of your quick weight loss plan, you must develop a strategy—this means keeping foods out of sight and mind and having a healthy stash available for snacking. Whether you are working with one of our weight loss programs in Orange County, our Orange County medical weight loss center or our Pasadena medical weight loss clinic, our staff is happy to give you some ideas for healthy snacks. All of our medical weight loss programs recommend fruit and veggies, and other good snack choices include Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds. You can also try some of our delicious weight loss products like Drizzles or our smoothie mixes to stave off hunger.

Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to get info about medical diet pills and weight loss pills, and our Orange County weight loss center. The website provides locations for all of our medical weight loss clinics in Orange County and our Pasadena weight loss program, and info on medical weight loss, whether it be an easy weight loss program, quick weight loss plan or program that works with weight loss pills.

Overcoming a Weight Loss Plateau

You've worked hard to improve your eating habits, using an easy weight loss program or weight loss products, and exercise regularly. For months, you saw the number on the scale drop and rewarded yourself. Then suddenly, for no reason, the progress stops… even though you’re doing all the same things. This is what is called a weight loss plateau.

At our medical weight loss clinics and Orange County medical weight loss centers, we see this all the time. In fact, it’s very normal for weight loss to slow or stop. This even happens to those using quick weight loss programs and FDA approved medical weight loss pills. However, if you understand the causes of a weight loss plateau, you can respond accordingly and stay on track with your easy weight loss program or quick weight loss plan.

Why do we plateau?
Whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic, weight loss products or even FDA approved medical weight loss pills, the progression from the start of your weight loss to a plateau follows a pattern.  When calories are reduced, the body releases glycogen, a carbohydrate found in the muscles and liver, to burn for energy. Glycogen retains water, so when it’s used for energy, it also releases the water, resulting in water weight loss. The plateau occurs because your metabolism slows as you lose muscle (which happens to everyone losing weight, whether you’re working with a weight loss clinic or not). To continue losing weight, you need to increase exercise or lower your caloric consumption. Even if you’re using medical diet pills or one of our quick weight loss programs, you must change your approach.

How do we overcome a plateau?
Essentially, you'll need to adjust your weight loss program or quick weight loss plan. Start by reducing your intake by 200 calories, as long as this doesn't put you below 1,200 calories (anything lower that that actually increase hunger and thus the risk of overeating, even if you’re using appetite suppressants or weight loss products).

It may be time to up the ante on your workout. Increase the amount of time you spend by 15 to 30 minutes, as well as the intensity. This will enable you to burn more calories. Increase your amount of general physical activity overall, by doing more yard work, housework or by walking and riding your bicycle to errands.

If your efforts to overcome a weight loss plateau aren't working, visit one of the physicians at our Orange County medical weight loss center or one of our other medical weight loss centers to learn about other strategies, medical weight loss or a quick weight loss plan that may work for you. Make sure your weight loss goal is healthy and realistic—don’t go overboard!

Get support and info about medical weight loss programs, medical diet pills and Orange County weight loss program at our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com to find a location near you.