Madelyn Fernstrom

5 Ways to Make Weight Loss Easier

Don't we all long for a lifestyle that makes weight loss easy? I don't think the effort is ever easy, but it can be made easier by following a few easy concepts. That's the topic of my latest Today Show segment.

Watch the segment from TODAY

We all need as much help as we can get, when it comes to making weight loss more manageable. Here are 5 tips for making weight loss easier:

1. Focus on what you CAN eat, instead of what you need to limit. Avoid deprivation by choosing lots of high fiber/high water foods - like fruits and veggies - that help you stay fuller longer. Foods with abundant fiber and water give you more volume, without adding extra calories.

2. Get enough sleep When you're sleep deprived, you tend to eat more, to "feel more energized". Also, you're more likely to lose mental focus and discipline from fatigue (well, fried zucchini IS a vegetable after all). Aim for 7 hours nightly - and power nap on days you can't. If you're routinely getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night, it's time to evaluate your life balance.

3. Learn to eat for hunger, not the clock. This is a tough one, and forces us to get back in touch with our biology. Figure out if you're a 3 times a day eater, or feel more comfortable dividing those 3 meals into mini-meals of 6 times a day. Avoid meal skipping, which makes you over-hungry for the next meal. Pace yourself, and avoid eating to the point of being "stuffed". Aim for contentment, knowing that you could eat more.....but will choose to do it later.

4. De-stress before you eat. Most of us don't have time for stress-reducing classes - even more to pack into one day! Try to relax before eating, to avoid gobbling down everything in site when you do eat - the dreaded mindless eating. If you take a minute or two before eating - you can gain control and mental focus before the meal - and whether it's a few deep breaths, or a short walk, or a phone chat - you've made a transition to your meal. That can only help your mealtime control.

5. Limit processed foods. Convenience foods may be easy, but are often loaded with hidden fat (and calories!), and loads of salt. While extra salt can give you temporary weight change on the scale - both "gain" (more salt) or "loss" (less salt), looking at the salt content of packaged products is a hint to the high calorie ingredient to which high salt is often linked - fat. Choose less processed foods - and limit both calories, salt, and fat. Convenience can be found in some calorie controlled products. Read the labels to be an informed consumer.

I'd love to know if you agree - or have some other fundamentals of your own to share. Leave a comment!

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62 Comments

Mr Bong said:

This is nice site.weight loss medicine available here no side effects.

Your metabolism is like the engine of your body, you take in food, and your metabolism or engine, either uses it for energy, stores it as fat, and or creates the waste product of what couldn't be used. But burning fat is another important factor and helps in reducing weight. Thanks for your tips on easy way to reduce weight.

satria said:

Hei... I read your information from begining to the end and I think that is interesting information.. I think i will tell this information again to my friend and I hope this information will be usefull for them... oh yes I suggest you to check my blog on www.weight-loss-blogs.blogspot.com , I hope the article on my blog will be usefull for you... and we can share each other. thank you... ;-)

lara said:

your information is very important and i think they will help us in the diet,but this information is very general so i think you should give us a idea about the quality of food that we should eat because lot of people don't know what are the kind of food that they should eat. anyway thank you for this information :)

wafa said:

Hi this is Wafa iam so agree with you it is happend with us in the live if we dont follow these step Excatly the salt damage our slim thank you so much for these five way and and am in using these

KHALID said:



I STUDIED RECENTLY YOU STUDY MM THE TOPIC WEIGHT LOSS.
I DECIDED TO USE TO REDUCE MY WEIGHT FROM THIS STUDY BECAUSE I LIKE VERY MUCH TIPS TO DO IT IS VERY EASY ALSO .

I HOPE IT IS GOING TO BE VERY USEFUL TO EVERY ONE SEEKING TOY REDUCING WEIGHT.

BY

MOHAMED KHALID

Shery said:

Thanks for these nice tips, i think they are vry useful i will try to apply them as i dont apply point (2) and did not have enough sleep coz i sleep approx.5 hrs.
also i would like to add if anyone make excersises for only 20 min.per day will have great effect.
have a nice day

rubab said:

i read your tips.....i really like it.have a nice day.tc.bye

Lesi said:

Not dieting but a life change is what I am doing. Eating good, healthy food, lots of salads, clear chicken soup (Lipton;s Noodle) fruit, veggies--dropped 20 lbs
Question? what is happening with my metabolism? Used to be regular as clock work--now stagnant, not constipated but not regular as previous
Any advice or comment?
Also what about these Yogi detox teas? anyone have used them?
L/MI

Ngaire Clarke said:

Totally agree with the tips another one is to make sure you at the table eating rather than when in the car of watching tv and not to eat while standing

Lucy said:

These are excellent tips! I know I'm often pressed for time, and that's what led to my own weight gain and retention - lack of time=not so hot health choices. I have come to accept that weight loss isn't about 'dieting', it's about making one's health, and by extension one's self, a higher priority (every little bit adds up).

Bette Neiman said:

YOU ARE 100% RIGHT ON I LOST 57 LBS. DOING THIS VERY SAME THING AND WALKING 5 DAYS A WEEK...IT TOOK ME 6 MONTHS. THANK YOU FOR GETTING THE WORD OUT...PEOPLE FORGET THE DIET YO YOING....DO THIS AND CONTINUE THIS WAY OF EATING AFTERWARDS TO STAY NICE AND SLIM AND IN SHAPE.

ayoade idowu said:

ur weight loss tips are vry nice and interesting.will personal recommend it to my friends as a good method and easy way to weight loss.

maria said:

this is a great place to read the articles , especially if someone is planning to lose weight, but does not know how to start.

Rose Norman said:

I have learned that most people gain weight due to insulin resistance. Changing your body to a low glycemic metabolism (in the range of 23 index) avoids blood sugar spikings. I have set up a group of 3 people on the Usana Reset program (low glycemic, healthy meal replacements)for 5 days to get rid of the cravings for carbs, sugar etc., than combining the meal replacement w/ low glycemic food. My group not only lost weight, but also reduced diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure; at the same time increased energy & immune system. All of my group lost between 26-28 pounds in 1 month.
Impressive,huh?
Hope this will help someone. I am happy to answer questions - my email is rora04usana@yahoo.com
posted by Rose Norman on October 2008

Kacey said:

Item 4.

"Site" is a place. Should read "sight".

asha ramchandani said:

hi this is asha here
i liked very much your article about how to loss weight.i think i will follow the steps because i also wnt to loose some kgs or volume.please keep sending me more tricks.
thanks

vasanthakumari said:

hi this tips are very useful. as i am a medical proffessional i know the food stuff which contain fat but still i starve like a hell to reduce my weight .then one extent i eat more. after reading this i came to know how to reduce weight with out starving,thank you so much eor giveing usefull tips.my humble request there isany tips to control the temptation

favourite said:

Thanks for this tips,just learnt that not having enough sleep makes one to over eat.

weightloss22 said:

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suha said:

it's a great tips

Petr said:

Greetings!..

Carolyn said:

I'm happy to say that I have just celebrated my two year "new lifestyle" anniversary have lost 110 pounds (naturally - reading labels and walking) and have been off of all medications (diabetes, high blood pressure, ibuprofin - needed simply to walk)for one year. I weighed 255 when my husband died of a massive heart attack in October 2005. I lost the weight over a two year period and have learned to maintain my new weight of 145 with no special foods or supplements. Just good old fashioned proper nutrition. I regret, every day, that we didn't start this together, but to be honest, we were "fat and happy". In these tough economic times, it bothers me that there are companies making major money off of people trying to lose weight and regain their health. There is no magic pill. Trust me, I dieted for more than 30 years. Keep your hard earned money in YOUR pocket. Read labels and walk. Here's the REAL secret to permanent weight loss - DON'T BUY IT. You can't eat it if it's not there at night. Walk with m

grettels@yahoo.com said:

Of all the steps to lose weight the best is "Limit processed foods. Convenience foods may be easy, but are often loaded with hidden fat (and calories!), and loads of salt.." Cook your own food from scratch and you will see that there's no need for special diets. For example: make your own salad dressing using olive oil, vinegar,and spices; make your own mashes potatoes using fresh potatoes. You will lose weight by cooking (a good activity)and eating healthy food. In addition, snack on fruit or nuts. Do not buy diet food or supplements either. Drink green tea. Keep in mind that obesity is a problem of modern times. It is not lack of time it is the convenience of modern times.

christian said:

i was surprised when i first read your tips..that's my way on losing weight and i lost 35 lbs. in 8 mos.

ola said:

i am a girl from Albania.I'm 16 years old.Before one year i didn't know about my diabet.
How i can i lose my weight because in the albania there aren't these products?

cathy said:

I am glad to see that I do not have to suffer to lose weight. your tips are very useful and I know I CAN DO IT, IF I JUST FOLLOW THESE TIPS. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

Chante said:

I've been there, done that, didn't work! Next ....

Helen said:

I've discovered that loosing weight the natural way is eating a sensible diet, like natural foods and home made meals. Also brisk walking is the best exercise and easy to do. There is also a good vegetable drink 1st Vita plus that is excelent to boost your metabolism and can help you heal your body's ailments. Try this herbal drink that is made from 5 raw leafy vegetables and 1 citruis fruit that is so nutritious. Just email me and I can tell you where to buy them. My email is helenaquino2004@yahoo.com, believe me this is a wonder drink.

gloria padron said:

hello my name is gloria how are you doing today well as for me not to good
just here worry about my wieght

FREDA THOMPSON said:

its nice to have these ideas on how to loose weight and i ve bought into them.it ll also pay-off to have on-line support group where people "over weight" encourage each other,work together and shead off these weight.i here by call on intrested groups to mail me at(seekmeout12@yahoo.com)so we can rub minds together.we shall make it!!!
YOU ARE HIGHLY EXPECTED.

Jean said:

I have been to site after site trying to figure out weight loss that works, being disabled and not able to do much exercise, high cholesterial...
addicted to CHOCOLATE.... everyone says carbs are good or bad--what foods are carbs...name them. I am not stupid but I think I speak for many, protiens-meat
carbs-? If someone created a MENU with all the do's on it instead of eat this much carbs, cut sugar etc, it would benefit some overweight people better.
thanks

Muhammed Zahir said:

I suggest to one of my friend the same 5 ways, now he is perfectly fit


nice tips

Good post - I think learning the body's natural signals for hunger is especially important. And the part about sleep affecting things is very true too - increasing cortisol levels will only cause the body to store body fat and make weight loss harder.

Enjoyed reading this!
Shannon - www.theworkoutinsider.com

ellen diane said:

exercise is 1/2 of the equation. Though it is true that simple carbs :( do give you in immediate boost in serotonin...to be used only when NEEDED ..for a quick feel good..OTHERWISE~~~ organic whole grains (ezekiel:9 , alvarado st) , fresh or frozen fruits and adequate protein~ find good sources of omega 3's ,b's, a good multi, adequete calcium/mag

Rage said:

I don't get hungry until noon or later. I usually pick some kind of high protien and then I feel not guilty about having some beers or drinks. I don't eat much, I'm not gaining anymore and have a big tummy. Also, a very irregular bowel system. How worried should I be? Thanks, Rage

christine said:

Hi,

Totally agree with your comments especially the one about eating pre-packed goods (such as condensed soup mixes and the like) because they usually have an enormous amount of sodium that can cause one to increase in weight due to liquid retention apart from being extremely unhealthy for your blood pressure. Suggest, at least at my age (54) that menopausal women eat red meat only once a month and prefer lean meat, such as chicken breasts, pork or fish, oven cooked rather than fried and loads of vegetables and fruits. Magnesium for women of my age a must either as a supplement mixed with the calcium tablet or as an emulsion mixed with water (6 tablespoons with your regular orange juice). Another product which has been extremely devaluated in the last two decades is oatmeal. When I was younger I remember having Quaker oats almost 4 times a week, it is a good source of fiber and helps to regulate your intestinal function.

Thanks
Regards Christine

christine said:

Hi,

Totally agree with your comments especially the one about eating pre-packed goods (such as condensed soup mixes and the like) because they usually have an enormous amount of sodium that can cause one to increase in weight due to liquid retention apart from being extremely unhealthy for your blood pressure. Suggest, at least at my age (54) that menopausal women eat red meat only once a month and prefer lean meat, such as chicken breasts, pork or fish, oven cooked rather than fried and loads of vegetables and fruits. Magnesium for women of my age a must either as a supplement mixed with the calcium tablet or as an emulsion mixed with water (6 tablespoons with your regular orange juice). Another product which has been extremely devaluated in the last two decades is oatmeal. When I was younger I remember having Quaker oats almost 4 times a week, it is a good source of fiber and helps to regulate your intestinal function.

Thanks
Regards Christine

Gloria Paner Hurboda said:

It's a matter of self-discipline and self-control...If there's a will,surely there's a way....limit food intake of food rich in cholesterol,fatty foods,oily,softdrinks...balance diet should be a habit...If others can,why can't I...

Gloria Paner Hurboda said:

By the way,I would like to thank for sharing your knowledge to all of us..it really did a great help especially for people who have the determination to loss weight in their own little way without taking any loss weight pill...Your insights would be our guide to our daily living...Thank you very much...Kudos!

Ibnu masud said:

the best thing to lose your weight:
fasting, sport / excercise, discipline and eat much vegetable and fruit

sajid said:

hi dr madelyb fernstromi like your some ideas i will perform that practically.

Daphne said:

i think the information you have given here is really good as it cvers a number of aspects poeple need to definately know before trying to loose weight and get a healthy lifestyle.

people need to know about many aspects before they can define one.

daisy said:

hi Dr. Madely,

I have 2 questions.

1) which is ideal in doing walking or workout? (morning or night)
2) some says that drinking lots of water gives you more weight?

I'll appreciate your response.
you have a great journal. keep it up!

Barnabas Mlyuka said:

I have found that the information you is worthy and easy to follow. Here in Tanzania there less processed foods and therefore the ways suggested for weight loss can easely be followed. Thank you for such informative tips.

Rouhani said:

The best part of yr suggestion is that one should focus on what one can eat instead of what not to eat.! This is a very positive way of loving and training yr mind gently.

flossy said:

Hi,
What can i do to make me drink a lot of water coz i never like water?
Have been trying to take water 8 glasses per day but i can't, even 4 glasses per day.

I can only drink alot of water if i add so juice in it am i o.k?

cae said:

HI, I have found that eating food that is easy on the digestive system to be helpful. Is there any evidence to show that this is a way to reduce weight?

olga said:

I have been loosing weight very gradually just by eating fresf fruit every morning (the fruit must rather hard, not soft because turns into sugar very quickily, hard fruit digest very slowly and relises the sugar vey slowly too) this keeps me going up untill 2pm, the I have something like boiled eggor or tin sardines on rabita biscuits or slice of turkey with some salad, and dinner not later than 7pm. plenty of salad and chicken or grill turkey, I drink plenty of water all this keeps me full and i never feel hungry or wanted sweetes. Please all of you do the same alnd we all be healthy.

olga said:

I have been loosing weight very gradually just by eating fresf fruit every morning (the fruit must rather hard, not soft because turns into sugar very quickily, hard fruit digest very slowly and relises the sugar vey slowly too) this keeps me going up untill 2pm, the I have something like boiled eggor or tin sardines on rabita biscuits or slice of turkey with some salad, and dinner not later than 7pm. plenty of salad and chicken or grill turkey, I drink plenty of water all this keeps me full and i never feel hungry or wanted sweetes. Please all of you do the same alnd we all be healthy.

cathy said:

Keeping busy and enjoying life are very important factors in maintaining a healthy weight, as well as losing weight. I am trying to be more upbeat and to find time every day to do something I enjoy even if only for 10 minutes! Fresh food is also important.

Rajashree, India said:

Really Helpful tip. I am already trying to reduce my extra weight. Your tips will add to make it easy.The steps given are easy one to follow & implement.

Paul said:

Thanks for your valuable information regarding Weight Loss. I like your blog so much........ Well, i visited your blog through Google and found it to be informative and interesting. Again thanks

loba salem said:

good neight
really it is a very good ,nice advice,very helpful
great thanks
i need usually any new data about weight loss becoze really it is a hard big proplem

karth said:

itz kinda worthy.. :-)

paulette said:

I love the information on this site. However, whenever I read something saying watch the salt or fat, read the labels. What are we to look for when reading the labels?

Marianne said:

That is the best said. I love it. These are very helpful points. Thanks a lot.

g4m4 said:

I like your posting so much, that is really informative, thank u Dr. Madelyn. and I hope that is will become my motivation to increase my blog's content about Health Solution, if you don't mind, I hope You can Check my Blog on www.101healthsolution.blogspot.com and give me advice about my blog....

Jennifer said:

You should not really eat processed food at all. Do not eat diet products. Eating things like aspertame and and calorie sweetners or calorie reduced foods do tow things. 1) Aspertame or any other calorie sweetner which is derived from aspertame is deadly. Aspertame can cause aspertame poisoning. Further, it has been linked to diseases like Multiple Scleroisis. Do your own research, all I know is that diet products also often lack nutrition. Take yogurt for example, does there need to be gelatin in it? Read the labels, there is not the same amount of nutrition in it as regular yogurt. I eat some, not all organic products. Just try and avoid processed stuff. Like brown sugar instead of white, unsalted butter or vegetable stock instead of margarine or gravy. I use parsnips or kasha is place of potatoes,eat heavier mid-day and smaller portions. Have baked potatoes, rice and pasta, but weekly. I am not saying go organic,I'm saying don't eat all frozen. Eat chicken, not "meat protein" what is that anyways?

Loren Howard said:

Hi,

I Recently Came across your blog through Google and found it to be informative and interesting.

Thanks for your all the great information.

I also have Weight Loss Website, May it will be informative for you. http://www.detoxify.com

hhy said:

I Recently Came across your blog through Google and found it to be informative and interesting.

Thanks for your all the great information.

I also have Weight Loss Website, May it will be informative

Metin2 gold said:

it is interesting and i like it!

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This Blog is designed for educational purposes only.
You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment.
If you are concerned about your health, please consult your family’s health provider or go to the emergency room.

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