BLR's 7 Keys to Weight Loss

Weight loss has always been a game of changing one's habits and sticking to a proven routine to reach an ultimate goal. Hard work, diligence and a focused adherence to that goal will result in success. Understanding the science behind weight loss is also important. At The Biggest Loser Resort, the keys and strategies for successful weight loss are revealed, putting guests on a path to a lifetime of health success.

THE 7 KEYS TO WEIGHT LOSS:

#1: KNOWING YOUR FOOD: CARBS, PROTEINS & FATS

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that include sugar and starches. They are the easiest for the human body to digest and provide 4 calories per gram. The body often goes to them first for quick energy. Proteins consist of one or more chains of amino acids that are essential for all cellular health. Without a diet rich in protein and the essential amino acids that make it, the human body cannot rebuild damaged tissue or grow. Probably the most maligned of all are the Fats. In reality, though, fats are an essential component to the human diet. Most people receive more than an adequate amount however, and often the wrong type of it. It's learning how to distinguish between the right and wrong fat and the proper integration of carbs, proteins and fats that are key to a healthy diet.

#2: UNDERSTANDING YOUR EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS

Negative emotional triggers often result in eating to avoid experiencing or coping with an undesirable feeling. Experts state that 75% of overeating (especially eating "comfort" or junk foods) is caused by emotions rather than real physical need for nourishment. That is why this second secret is so important. We need to be more conscious of why, when and what we are eating, and to understand and consider the emotional triggers that urge us to put certain foods into our mouths and therefore our bodies.

#3: KNOWING YOUR BEHAVIORS:

Ever eaten an entire bag of chips without even being hungry? Do you go five hours or more without eating then find yourself overeating whatever is available? By practicing mindful eating we can recognize our patterns around food and make the changes needed to eat healthy and create positive lifestyle changes.

#4: KNOWING WHAT DRIVES WEIGHT LOSS

The fourth key to weight loss is understanding how a series of factors - sleep, digestion, energy and stress - affect the human body and change its metabolic processes; either helping or hindering weight-loss goals. For example, when you finally start relieving yourself from the physical stress of extra body weight, you'll also notice a parallel effect: relief from mental stress. Weight loss can lead to a more balanced brain function which in turn can make it easier to deal with stressors in our daily lives.

#5: CONTROLLING YOUR PORTIONS

The fifth key to weight loss is fairly straightforward. When we control the portion size of our meals we gain a valuable weapon against the fight against obesity. Your entire meal should be broken down into the following percentages: 50% non-starchy carbs (from veggies), 25% protein (3-4 ounces per meal), 25% starchy carbs. Healthy fats should be blended in with the meal.

#6: ORDERING EFFECTIVELY OFF A MENU

We often only have a foggy idea what it is we're going to eat when we order out. A closer look at the terms used in menu descriptions may reveal how preparation of certain foods may be less than appropriate for weight-loss goals. The secret of knowing how to order food involves being more knowledgeable about cooing and its terminology. Recommendations: do your homework, beware of the buffet, opt for low carb meals earlier in the day, make a special request for substitutions, sharing is caring, avoid another round of drinks, split the sweets, and bring it home!

#7: LEARNING HOW TO WORKOUT ANYTIME & ANYWHERE

One of the biggest excuses people make for not exercising is that they just don't have the time to go to the gym. By discovering how easy it is to exercise - whether at home, the office or a hotel room - you'll have the confidence to take on the challenge of losing weight anytime, anywhere.