Eat clean for your weight loss new years resolution!

When beginning a weight loss program, it is very common for people to think in order to lose weight, we need to get in the gym everyday, for hours on end. That may be the common trendy thought for most in the first month or two of the new year, but in reality doesn't seem to pan out. Additionally, it is all too common for the notorious "fad" diet to make its appearance; the grapefruit diet, the soup diet, the non-fat diet, the no carb diet, etc. These are so unrealistic, unbearable, and unhealthy. You can't spell "diet" without D-I-E! No one wants to deprive themselves of things, and be unhappy and miserable, because in the end, it always backfires.

Not to worry! There is an easier way to go about your successful weight loss program.

Eat clean!
Instead of substituting foods with special low fat or low carb anything, just cut out all processed foods that come in a box or bag all together! Don't be fooled by labels such as "whole grain!" or "fat free!" The more natural the food you are eating, the better! This doesn't mean eat all organic or vegan or anything, just eat foods that come from the earth; vegetables and fruits, and lean meats; chicken, turkey, and seafood. Each meal should consist of a lean protein, as many green vegetables as you want, and limited starches, preferably sweet potatoes, rice, or quinoa. Eat a meal every 2 1/2 -3 hours to keep your metabolism going, or "fuel the furnace," and will be a tremendous aid in your fat loss.

Drink water!
You would be amazed how fantastic you feel and how much better your body functions when hydrated. Water increases energy and relieves fatigue because our body's are about 70% water therefore we are able to function with great efficiency. Water also promotes weight loss by removing by-products of fat, and also helps to raise metabolism.

Treat yourself!
Believe it or not, it is a good thing to treat yourself to something not-so-clean. It is best to have a cheat MEAL, and not a cheat DAY, where you eat WHATEVER you want for that one meal. This can be beneficial because it can give you something to look forward to when having a clean eating lifestyle, and the high calorie food will kickstart your metabolism again.

Good luck, and have fun with your new healthy life style- without unhealthy crash dieting!

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, Baltimore Fitness Examiner

I am a Fitness Pro Bikini Competitor and Personal Trainer at the Maryland Athletic Club (MAC) in Timonium, MD. I love, live, eat, breathe, and SLEEP FITNESS! I believe to truly be in good health you need all components of fitness: Strength training, cardiovascular exercise, proper nutrition, and...

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