(ARA) – Losing weight is challenging. In fact, only 28 percent of people vowing to lose weight were successful, according to one study from the United Kingdom. Dedication and a few healthy tricks learned from the pros can be the key to successful weight loss.

Nutritionist, personal trainer and health educator, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, believes that traditional diets of low-calorie — and often low-taste — foods can leave dieters feeling hungry and unsatisfied.

In her New York Times best-selling book “Flat Belly Diet,” Sass offers several easy guidelines to help you stick to your weight-loss goals to become healthier and happier.

Sass Up Water
According to Sass, drinking plenty of water is an essential part of an everyday diet. “Many people find having eight glasses a day can be a challenge when less healthy options such as soda and sugary juices are easily available,” she says. Sass recommends her signature recipe called “Sassy Water” which infuses fresh ginger root, cucumbers, lemons and mint leaves into water. “We call it ‘Sassy’ because it’s a heck of a lot perkier than plain old water and the ingredients help calm and soothe your digestive system.”

Eating on the Go
Sass suggests eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day to regulate the body’s metabolism and stop the hunger pangs. “I really like Laughing Cow Mini Babybel cheeses, because they offer delicious, portable protein to help control food cravings and keep you feeling fuller longer,” she says.  ”Also, each serving is individually wrapped so weight-conscious individuals know how much food they are getting without worrying about portion control.”

Get Moving
“Walking not only burns calories, it can also boost your mood,” says Sass. “Moderate-to-vigorous walking causes your brain to release hormones which are shown to improve your mood and raise your spirits, which can last for several hours.” Sass recommends finding ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routines, like a quick five-minute walk around your office after lunch.

Snack the Right Way
“Most people who work outside of the home eat lunch between noon and 1 p.m., but don’t make dinner until after 6 p.m., therefore, their hunger signals are in full-swing well before they eat their last meal for the day,” says Sass. “The fix is to plan your snack between lunch and dinner around 3 or 4 p.m.” While at the office, she suggests Laughing Cow Light cheese wedges as a great snack. “I like to pair it with sliced apple wedges and a few tablespoons of nuts for a tasty, filling, calorie-controlled way to snack.”

Don’t go it alone
Research shows that dieters, especially women, who share their resolutions with friends, family and coworkers are more successful at following their weight-loss goals. “People who maintain personal and community connections have better health than those who don’t,” says Sass.

For additional tips on keeping fitness goals and healthy meal ideas, pick up a copy of “Flat Belly Diet.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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