Winning at Weight Loss
Winning at Weight Loss – Regular exercise and a healthy diet is the key to winning at weight loss. Learn more about losing weight safely in this video.
Expert: Robert Gorski, M.D. New York Methodist Hospital
Transcript
So college caught up to you and you gained some weight. But don’t worry, you can lose weight on campus.
When trying to trim down, you already know the obvious: cut back on your calories and exercise more often. To lose weight, you’ll have to consistently take in fewer calories per day than you burn with daily activity. And daily activity needs to go beyond just strolling to class.
In order to jump start your metabolism, try increasing daily exercise. Get moving by taking fitness classes at your college’s gym, or joining an intramural team on campus.
Aside from the obvious, though, what else can you do to drop those extra pounds? One trick is to avoid foods that cause sharp spikes in blood sugar, such as refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary foods like most cereals or desserts, and sodas. Foods like this will make you ravenous again quickly, as they cause spikes in blood sugar and will lead to crashes, leaving you hungry quickly, which may lead to overeating. It’s key to eat a balanced diet, which includes lean proteins like egg whites or a handful of nuts.
How you eat is important too: Aiming to have at least three meals and two small snacks each day will keep you full longer and help prevent binge eating. Studies show that occasional “cheaters” lose more weight and keep more off than those who reject all junk food.
Another tool in your weight loss arsenal? Water. By drinking water on a regular basis, you’ll keep your body hydrated and avoid false “hunger” pangs. Often we’re actually thirsty when we start feeling hungry. But also, drinking water gives you a full feeling without adding additional calories. You’ll be less likely to consume high calorie fruit juices and sodas, both of which can contribute significantly to weight gain.
Finally, contact your college’s gym or health center for free nutrition or physical fitness counseling. These great resources are usually free, so you’ve got no excuse not to use them!
Last Modified: 2014-04-09
Category: News
