Rules

So in all my years of weight loss struggle there are a few truths I have heard again and again.

1. Drink more water, dehydration can disguise itself as hunger.
I am horrible about drinking water, mainly because I don't feel very thirsty and I have the tiniest bladder  ever, so I feel like the more I drink the more I'm rushing to the bathroom. But I know this is important. Also apparently drinking enough water can actually help your burn calories.

2. Eat more protein, or be hungry.
I agree with this one whole heartedly, I find myself feeling so hungry sometimes, and a little beef jerky goes a long way.

3. Cardio is great for your heart, but muscle burns more fat and calories.
I had a trainer a few years ago who told me your body will adjust to your cardio routine. He insisted that strength training was the way to loose weight. He said muscle actually burns more calories just doing every day stuff like cleaning the house, walking around the grocery store etc. He said you should be doing some sort of strength training at least 4 times a week, and cardio 2-3 times for about 50 min. When I worked out with him I saw my body change.

4. The scale is a horrible predictor of success.
This is too true. When I was working out with the trainer, and even afterwards I barely saw the scale budge after weeks of hard work, but my body was changing, I looked leaner and fitter. He told me not to worry about the scale, just worry about how your clothes fit. So buy a tape measure and measure your success on inches lost, and the way you fit in your clothes.

5. Completely depriving yourself is a success killer.
You have to allow yourself a cheat day. This doesn't mean totally pig out one day a week, that will ruin your progress. What it does mean is allow yourself a day to not obsess, eat something you like, just be careful not to over do it. Do eat a slice of pizza maybe 2; do not eat the entire pizza.

I found this helpful "skinny rules" list on Pinterest by Bob Harper, the trainer from The Biggest Looser

To follow my fitness board on Pinterest click here http://pinterest.com/courtneylee84/fitness/