Food Vancouver - 5 Healthy Weight Loss Tips

When the New Year rolls around, many of us tell ourselves, I'm going to eat healthier or I'm going to lose 20 pounds or I'm going to exercise everyday for an hour, the list goes on! How many of us are sticking to those goals we set, and how many of us have already let those resolutions slip by the wayside? It's a challenging time of year, however with a few simple tips you can get back on that path to success. Here are a few tips to get you back on track on your quest for health and wellness:

1. Carbohydrates: For so many people, carbs are taboo! If you want to reduce your carbohydrate intake, particularly if you have a history of choosing refined sources that do not offer much nutrition as their high fibre counterparts, make sure you are getting enough of the healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits (at least 2 servings daily) vegetables (at least 3 servings daily), and whole grains (at least 5 servings daily). Choose legumes, beans and peas more often as well, as they are low in fat, a source of protein and fibre.

Some people like to consume their higher carbohydrate foods, such as fruit, milk, yogurt and whole grain breads and cereals in the morning and afternoon, and their lower carbohydrate foods, such as vegetables, in the evening. For many people, this helps them increase their vegetable intake and maintain a balanced diet, while controlling their calories in the evening. As a result, it helps them lose weight, without there being an extreme adjustment in their usual pattern.

2.Fat: Watch your fat intake. This does not mean you need to avoid all fats, just make sure the ones you choose are healthy fats such as those in nuts, seeds, olive oil, fish and flax, which are going to be beneficial to your health. Just remember fat contributes twice as many calories as carbohydrates and protein.

3. Protein: Eat 2-3 servings of protein daily. For example, have some fish, skinless poultry, lean meat, beans, peas, nuts, natural peanut butter, low fat cheese, etc, including some protein with meals and snacks will help you feel full for a longer period of time, than if you skipped the protein.

4. Meal Timing: Don't forget about meal timing. Try not to eat within at least 2 hours before bed, unless for some medical reason you have been advised otherwise. If you are not as active in the evening as you are during the day, the calories you take in are more likely to be stored as fat.

5. Exercise: It doesn't have be a lot to start. Just make sure you are doing something, and increase to 60 minutes daily to help promote weight loss. They say that physical inactivity can be as hard on your body as smoking! So get active!

For more information, or to make an appointment for a personal consultation, please contact Maria Thomas, Registered Dietitian at Urban Nutrition.

Articles on Food Vancouver:

Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

5 Healthy Weight Loss Tips