The basic rules for dieting are the same for men as they are for women: consume fewer calories than you burn and your body will shed excess weight. The problem is that many men go about trying to lose weight in a completely different way than their female counterparts. Whether you join a commercial weight-loss program or decide to go it alone, it’s your attitude toward dieting that will determine your success.
Eat Healthy AND Work Out
Many men decide to rely on working out as the answer to their weight-loss problems. They pay little attention to what they eat and simply add extra days of exercise, hoping to make up for the excess calories they consume. The problem is that even a simple cheeseburger can undo the progress from your one hour at the gym. In order to maintain your weight and avoid putting on extra pounds, you should be taking a closer look at your diet.
Practice Moderation
It’s not just what you eat, but how much of it you eat. Proper portion control is one of the most important tricks to successful weight loss. Instead of depriving yourself of your favorite weekend pizza, have a slice or two, then fill up on a healthy protein shake. Really take a look at the size of your meals. If your plate looks like a restaurant serving, you’ve probably got twice as much food on it than you should eat. Read food packages to find out actual portion sizes, and buy a good set of measuring spoons and cups to use as serving utensils. “Dining Out on a Diet” can help you make smarter choices when you’re at a restaurant.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
Even if you watch every bite you put into your mouth, forgetting about the calories in liquids can completely sabotage any weight-loss efforts you make. You don’t have to completely give up your weekend beer while watching the game, but you should do it smartly. Find a good-tasting lower calorie beer, and alternate one beer with one glass of water each time. If you prefer mixed drinks, choose light-colored liquor mixed with water, soda water or diet soda instead of fruit juice. Three or four normal drinks can add up to over 1,000 calories, and that will throw off any diet! Be smart about drinks to stay on track.
Stay Hydrated
Increasing your water intake is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to help lose weight and get healthier. Water fills you up, so you won’t crave fattening food as much. It helps in digestion and is crucial when you’re eating higher fiber foods such as whole grains and fruits and veggies. Most experts suggest at least 64 ounces of water a day, but larger men will want to increase this to half their weight in ounces per day. “Hydration Tips for Men” provides suggestions on increasing your intake.
