Shape Up for 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of "Too Busy for Weight Loss!"

This is an occasional e-zine that will cut through the hype, fads and gimmicks to give you the low down on the really important information you need to successfully lose weight and keep it off.

If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a big favor and "pay it forward."

If a friend DID forward this to you and if you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting our website.

And so to this month's e-zine...

Hands up everyone that has at some point in their lives resolved to lose weight after the annual Christmas binge?

And hands up those that were successful...and have kept it off ever since?

Not so many hands this time, eh?

So what's the secret to successfully losing weight at this time of year and staying in shape for the rest of it?

Well, in my experience there are a few golden rules that all successful dieters follow - most of which are plain common sense, but then...common sense isn't very common, is it?

So, without further ado, here are five golden rules - more guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle, really - that may just help you to avoid the annual dieting frenzy next year!

5 Golden Rules for New Year Weight Loss...

You've heard the saying - "failure to plan is planning to fail"? One of the main reasons people fail at anything is because they have no plan to follow.

A plan should include your goals, things like your target weight, and some milestones against which you can measure your progress - say, weekly targets of 1-2lbs of weight loss.

It should also include how you're going to lose weight - what diet will you follow? What will you eat on a meal by meal basis? When will you eat? When will you shop? When will you exercise?

If you don't already have a diet or healthy eating plan to follow, then you may find our diet reviews helpful.

If you're going to start your weight loss program on 1 January, then do your research now and put together a plan over the next few days so you're ready to get started on Thursday.

2. Persevere

OK, now you've got a plan and some goals to aim for...you just need to get started and stick with it.

Did you know that research suggests that the average diet lasts a mere three days? Yep, three days.

Successful people often aren't the most talented, they are the ones that persevere. They have stickability...whatever the challenges that come their way and threaten to derail them they just keep on keeping on.

Winston Churchill once said, "when you're going through hell, keep going". Now ain't that the truth!

How many times have you felt like giving up when the odds against you just seemed too great? Or that doughnut just looked too great!

Stick with your weight loss plan and you will lose that weight. Give up and you won't. A simple choice...but one only you can make.

3. Don't go hungry

What's the number one reason diets fail? Hunger.

If you feel hungry you're much more likely to get sidetracked than if you feel full - pretty obvious really!

To avoid feeling hungry ensure that you eat regular meals - every 3-4 hours ideally. Say, three main meals and three snacks.

Split your daily food intake over 5-6 small meals and you'll keep your blood sugar level constant and will avoid hunger pangs and cravings.

Protein takes a while for your body to process and will keep you feeling full for longer - longer than fat or carbs, so ensure you eat some protein at every meal. Check out our page on protein for more information.

4. Keep hydrated

Another little nugget for you...did you know that 75% of all hunger pangs are due to thirst? No?

Well research shows that by drinking around two litres of water a day, that's around eight glasses, you're much more likely to lose weight than if you allow yourself to get thirsty.

Drinking water helps you to avoid water retention and keeps your metabolism raised - which tends to drop when you dehydrate. The result is you'll burn more calories when properly hydrated.

Our page on water will give you more information on proper hydration.

And finally...

5. Exercise

I know, I know...it's blindingly obvious, but being physically active is absolutely crucial to successful weight loss and maintenance.

Whatever else you do, build some exercise into your daily routine - you'll increase your metabolism, burn more calories, lose more weight, get in shape faster and you'll feel better for it.

You burn around 100 calories a mile walking or jogging. One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories. So walk three miles four times a week and that's an extra pound of fat every three weeks - which soon adds up!

Add in a little resistance training and you're well on your way to that lean, toned body you crave. Check out our section on exercise to get you started.

So, there you have it...5 Golden Rules, which if followed will greatly increase your chances of successfully losing weight and keeping it off in the long term!

Best wishes with your weight loss goals. Do check out our site for plenty more free information that will help you...and above all, have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Marcus and Lisa
www.weight-loss-for-busy-people.com