To lose weight and maintain your results long term, follow these practices for maximum health and weight-loss success.

Drink Water

We recommends that you drink 80 ounces a day for optimal weight-loss results. When you are hydrated, you will have more energy, brighter skin, healthier kidneys and improved digestion. Don’t mistake dehydration for hunger! Next time you are feeling like you are craving a snack, drink 8 ounces of water and see how you feel after. Many times, dehydration is mistaken for hunger and trying this solution should ease your cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Write it Down

Studies have proven that people who record what they consume in a food journal lose twice as much weight as those who do not. Writing down what you eat, how much you eat and what time you eat it will help you to identify, correct and eliminate unhealthy patterns.

Control Your Portions  

Eating in balance and practicing portion control is essential to weight-loss success. A variety of healthy foods should be enjoyed daily, however weighing and measuring your portions is necessary for long-term results. Eat a variety of lean proteins, unrefined starches, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats as well as a portion of dairy on a daily basis. Do not deprive yourself of an entire food group; your body requires the nutrients from all the food groups. Eat in balance, your plate should be 25 % protein, 25% unrefined starch and 50% vegetables. Use healthy fats to prepare food or add avocado or olives to a salad. Dairy should be consumed in the morning and fruit as snacks in between meals. If you are feeling hungry between meals, you can always enjoy raw green vegetables.

Prepare and Plan

Plan ahead, losing weight doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a social life. If you know you will be dining out at a restaurant, look up the menu beforehand and see what healthy options they have. If looking at the menu prior is not an option, don’t be afraid to ask the server to have the kitchen prepare your food in a particular way. Most restaurants will be happy to prepare your food any way you request. If you will be attending a cookout, prepare your snacks in advance to bring with you. Eat protein from the grill or bring your own. Stay away from unhealthy sides and condiments. Double Bites and Pretzel Thermo-Snacks are perfect for backyard parties. Make a dip with the Vegetarian Chili and Beans Thermo-Snacks and a Mocktail with Thermo-Boost and the Vanilla Pudding/Shake Thermo-Snacks. You can find the perfect recipe in the SlimGenics Step into the Kitchen Cookbook. Remember social gatherings are about the people you are with, not the food.

Set SMART Goals

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Your goals will change as you begin to lose weight so it is important to always be challenging yourself with new goals on a weekly and monthly basis. As a SlimGenics client, your Program Advisor will support and help you stay motivated and accountable to your health goals during your entire journey. Take advantage of their expert advice and support.

Get Some Sleep

Regular and consistent sleep will help to enhance your weight-loss results. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Proper sleep and a well-rested body will give you more energy, regulate your metabolism and improve your mood throughout the day. Many times it is common to mistake feeling tired or feeling hungry. If you are feeling hungry in the late evening, your body is ready for sleep and going into hibernation mode. Instead of eating, rest to allow this natural process to take place. You will enjoy more peaceful sleep. Break the fast in the morning with a healthy breakfast within 45 minutes of getting out of bed.

Eat REAL Food

You need to EAT to LOSE! At SlimGenics, many of our clients already encountered the common weight-loss and weight-regain cycle with other programs: you start a diet, lose some weight, plateau, then quit and regain. This cycle of yo-yo dieting is not only unhealthy and damaging your metabolism, it’s frustrating. A weight-loss plan built around REAL, fresh, whole food is the best way to lose weight, change unhealthy patterns and learn how to maintain your hard-earned results. With SlimGenics Direct Weight Loss Programs, you eat real food to lose your weight fast, easy and in a heathy manner without feeling deprived, tired or hungry.

Have a Support System

Lose it all, lose it fast and support are the pillars of weight-loss success. SlimGenics Direct Weight Loss Programs provide all three necessary components. Commit and put your goals first! Your Weight Loss Consultants will provide the necessary support and nutritional education you need to stay on track and accountable to your health goals.

Be Nice to Yourself

As people, we are talking to ourselves constantly. Self-talk is an internal dialogue that affects your confidence and self-esteem. Have a “Can Do” attitude. You CAN do this! When you treat yourself with kindness, you’re able to recover from setbacks faster and stay on track. Always focus on what you are doing right, not what you are doing wrong. Keep a healthy sense of humor and take it day by day. Every day won’t be perfect, however, when you are kind to yourself and keep a positive outlook, your weight-loss journey will be more enjoyable and you will achieve the results you desire.

Move Your Body

When the weight starts falling off, your energy will increase. Practice sitting less and standing more. We aren’t talking about diving headfirst into an intense exercise routine; start by going for a 20-minute walk 4 times a week. Walking is one of the easiest exercises you can participate in, which makes it a great place to start. Walking burns calories, boosts your energy and helps to reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.