My mother once told me that you couldn't call yourself a
real woman without knowing how it feels to diet. I laughed back then, but now,
looking in retrospect, I have to agree. If you want to define your waist, you
have to combine two major lifestyle changes: eat healthy and exercise. I know,
you are probably sick of reading about exercising and are still hoping for a wonder-solution
which will tone your muscles and define your curves without you having to lift
a finger, but sadly, we are still looking for the fountain of youth and there
aren't too many signs that it'll show up any time soon.
If you want to lose weight around your waist you should
focus on working your transverse abdominal muscles. Pilates or yoga exercises
will definitely do the trick. If you want to lose weight in your whole body,
however, you can either go for classic jogging, which is known to burn up to
1000 calories a session, or for dancing. Combine dancing with aerobic and you
get zumba, the new work-out trend. It's very important you start with easy
exercises and you work your way to the difficult poses. Otherwise, you risk
getting exhausted way too fast and abandoning your journey towards the ideal
measurements. Attending group classes is also a good way to stay motivated.
Diet is as important as exercising: you can lose half a
pound after running for 30 minutes and gain it back on if you eat a whole pizza
once you get home. You don't have to make major changes in your current diet if
you want to lose weight, unless it is based on fast food and other saturated
fats. Try eating small meals rich in nutrients and fibers while gradually
reducing rich dairy products, sweets, sodas and replacing them with low-fat
dairy, fruits and tea.
Most importantly, try not to think of it as something
temporary and change your lifestyle instead. Eating healthy products will make
you feel rejuvenated and will boost your energy level. You can also try reading
a self-help book if you feel you can't do it by yourself. Allen Carr's
Easyweigh to Lose Weight, for example, can prove to be helpful, especially if
you've recently quit smoking and are familiar with his name.