Read Food Labels To Lose Weight

I was at the grocery store the other day, doing my weekly shopping and reading food labels like I always do, when and acquaintance came up and said, "Why are you reading labels? You can eat anything you want with all of that exercise you do!" I have to say that this is probably one of the biggest misconceptions that people have.

I talk to many people who are frustrated because they are working out and not losing weight, or not seeing the results they want. The first question I always ask them is, "Have you changed your eating habits?" The answer is usually no. I have to tell you that it takes both exercise and healthy eating habits to lose weight and shape up.

Consider this - to lose one pound, you must create a 3500 calorie deficit. That means you have to burn off 3500 MORE calories than you consume just to lose one pound. How many times have you said to yourself, "I worked out today, I can have that piece of cake, candy bar, etc"? Instead of rewarding yourself with food for working out, use it as motivation to eat better. Say to yourself, "I worked out really hard today. I don't want to blow it by eating this cake, candy bar, etc." Remember that everything you eat adds up!

Some helpful tips:

1. Read food labels!!! Know what a serving size is and how many calories it contains.

2. Educate yourself on the nutrition contents of the foods you eat.

3. Be smart about portion sizes.

4. Don't reward yourself for working out with food. Find other ways to reward yourself for meeting your short-term goals.

5. If you really want something that you know you shouldn't have, allow yourself a SMALL portion. Take one bite and throw the rest away. (I know this sounds hard, but you can do it!)

Remember - exercise is NOT a license to eat anything you want! Combine your workouts with a healthy, balanced diet and you will see the results of your hard work much faster.

Kris Bierek is a fitness specialist for the health and fitness site http://www.ShapeFit.com where you can find FREE fitness tools like fitness newsletters, dieting tips, weight loss help, exercise questions and a free fitness analysis to help you get into the best shape of your life!

---

How Does Phentermine Work? Learn Pros & Cons Of Phentermine For Weight Loss

Phentermine, like many other prescription drugs, works with chemicals called... Read More

An Incredible New Weight Loss Product ? Your Brain!

I would like to introduce you to an incredible new... Read More

Motivation: Keeping the Fire Going in Your Fat Loss Plan

Motivation is a factor often overlooked when it comes to... Read More

Weight Loss in Children

What is "too young" to begin a weight loss program... Read More

How to Find Your Ideal Body Weight Part II

Body Mass Index (BMI)Body Mass Index is an accurate indicator... Read More

Eating Out

I know how difficult it can be do stick to... Read More

Is Losing Weight The Same As Losing Fat?

Contrary to common belief, your weight is not really the... Read More

Weight Loss Through the Right Natural Food

At its most basic, dieting is about burning more calories... Read More

For All Walks of Life

Why Walking Could Be the Solution to Your Fitness Dilemma.Walk,... Read More

Dieting: A Few Smart Dieting Secrets To Rejuvenate You

In our society of fast food and long hours spent... Read More

Weight Loss Efficiency ? 10 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your Gym Workout!

My name is Greg Ryan. I am a high profile... Read More

Want Permanent Weight Loss Results? Healthy Eating is the Key

The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More

7 Excuses For Not Starting Up Your Weight Loss Diet

Changing habits is one of the most difficult challanges we... Read More

What are Fats?

Fat is fuel. That is basically what it is. A... Read More

2 Simple Steps to Effective Weight Loss

It's agreed that if you raise the amount of calories... Read More

5 Tips to Use Your Head and Let Go of that Extra Weight

Notice, if you would, that every diet out there only... Read More

Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes that Last - A New Look at New Years Resolutions

Would you run out of fingers, and maybe even toes,... Read More

Quick Weight Loss Secrets

The Secrets have been in our family recipes, some even... Read More

Drinking Green Tea May Help You Lose Weight

Green Tea Also Has Anticancer PropertiesGreen tea, which has been... Read More

Fitness: Getting Started

It seems like everywhere you turn, there is someone trying... Read More

Gastro-Physics And Dietary Anti-Matter

Do a little people-watching, next time you're in the grocery... Read More

Is Obesity a Disease? And What Should Be Done About It?

You have noticed your obese friend suddenly slimmer. You want... Read More

Eating for Health, Happiness and Successful Weight Control

Don't diet, just eat and lose weight!First, the following "diet"... Read More

Atkins Diet Plan ? What?s it All About?

A typical breakfast consists of 3 or 4 strips of... Read More

Calorie Burn? Know The Optimum Walking Speed For Greatest Results

Calorie burn can be really enhanced if you follow a... Read More

Weight Loss Myths Exposed

As a weight loss coach I speak will people regularly... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery ? Get Your Vitamins!

Gastric bypass patients face a great task in the following... Read More

Weight Loss And Nutrition Myths ? What You Need To Know! Part 1

MYTH: Fad diets work for permanent weight loss.FACT: Fad diets... Read More

Breast Cancer - Another Obesity Victim

Obesity raises the risk of various types of cancer. And... Read More

Hoodia- Modern Zeal of Ancient San

The long marginalized San tribe of South Africa has suddenly... Read More

7 Useful Tips That Will Help You Lose Weight

1. Increase your fiber intake. The body needs a lot... Read More

Tighter Tummy and Thinner Thighs

As a Master swimmer I am made painfully aware, each... Read More

The Truth About Fat

Fat has had a lot of bad press and for... Read More