Nine Weight loss Tips for 2009

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Everybody hates the word 'diet'. It makes you think of pain
and misery. It is definitely hard to keep your will power
to stay on a diet during the holidays.

But it isn't all terrible. There are many ways to quickly
lose unwanted weight without starving yourself and it really
is quite easy - as long as you know how to do it. Start the
New Year off right with great weight loss results by
following these easy tips.

Here are the top nine ways to lose pounds in 2009.

1. Water. Many people do not drink water at all, and yet it
is the best way to naturally clean out your body and
simultaneously shed pounds. Drinking enough water is so
easy. Just drink a glass of water before every meal and
snack and you will feel rehydrated and fuller so you will be
less tempted to over-eat at mealtimes.

2. Fiber. Fiber is a brilliant weight-loss secret that can
help you lose weight at the same time as making you feel
full. You can actually reduce your hunger pangs by getting
enough fiber in your diet. Simple foods like fruit,
vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans will
increase your fiber intake, make you feel full faster and
help you lose weight quicker.

3. Snacks. Just because you're losing weight, that shouldn't
mean you go without food. Feel free to snack whenever you're
hungry. Your metabolism will actually speed up a little by
eating more. Just be careful with the types of snacks you
choose. It's always fine to snack on nuts or fruit, but you
can also add a snack-size tub of low-fat yogurt or baked
rice crisps. Just be sensible about your snack choices.

4. Walk. Take every opportunity to walk. Take the stairs
instead of the elevator. Park further away from the store
and walk the rest of the way. Stroll around the block with
your dog or with a friend. Switch on your stereo and just
jive to the music.

5. Grilled not Fried. Switch to grilling food instead of
frying. Grilling is not only easier and less time consuming,
it's healthier and contains far fewer calories.

6. Side Dishes. We have been groomed to believe that meals
are not complete without fries on the side. Instead of
eating fries, eat a simple and healthy salad or steamed
veggies.

7. Processed Foods. Pre-packaged deli ham, chicken and
turkey are quick and easy to have available in the fridge,
but they have high levels of sodium. Sodium makes your body
retain fluid and makes it harder for you to lose weight.
Don't buy pre-packaged processed foods whenever possible.
Opt for fresh options.

8. Keep It Lean. Red meat and poultry are not off limits;
just remember to buy the leanest cuts available. Trim off
excess fat and cut off the skin from chicken. Grill your
meat to keep the goodness in and minimize the amounts of
fat.

9. Meal Replacement. Meal replacement diets are quick and
easy, and can keep you slim. All you have to do is eat a
pre-prepared meal in place of you breakfast, lunch or
dinner. These meals are available through a variety of
companies and take the guess work out of diet planning.

Remember these simple rules and you will be slimmer and
happier in 2009.

5 Questions To Ask About Meal Replacement Diets

So you've decided to start a meal replacement program.
Before you begin however, you need to ask a few simple but
helpful questions. Protect you health, and save yourself
some money by first asking the following five questions:

1. Does the program work? The first question may seem
obvious, but many do not even bother to ask. Does the
program actually work? Your goal in being on any diet is
weight loss. Stray away from programs that cannot prove how
well they work or that do not provide any guidance or
support. If a program does what it says, it should be able
to provide success stories from some of its customers. If
it can't you should start looking elsewhere.

2. What kind of professional supervision is provided? A
meal replacement program should only be undertaken with
proper medical supervision. Medical evaluation and
emotional support are both very important in any weight loss
program, especially a meal replacement program. If you are
investing your time and money in a program, it should offer
you professional guidance by qualified professionals.

3. What kind of ongoing maintenance support do you offer?
Losing the weight is only the first step. It is the very
beginning of a lifelong change in lifestyle and dietary
habits. You will need support to stay on track once you've
reached your goal weight. Choose programs that help keep
you motivated and connected with follow up support, and
offer options for intervention should you start to regain
weight.

4. How much does it cost? The important point of this
question is not that you should try to skimp out and choose
the "cheapest" program, but you should choose a program that
gives you your money's worth. You could end up paying
thousands of dollars for food, enrollment fees, and other
hidden fees for a regimen that is poorly designed that
doesn't work. Furthermore, it may offer no training or
support. However, a program that is less expensive could be
highly effective. All in all, choose the best program that
fits your budget.

5. Are there hidden fees, and can you get a refund? A true
sign of confidence is a weight loss program that offers a
money back guarantee. A program that is confident in what
it can do will have no problems with offering to give you
your money back if you are not completely satisfied with the
results. Also, be careful of hidden fees, like additional
consultation and supplement fees. Reputable weight loss
programs will always be upfront with what it's going to cost
you to participate.