2010 is all done, and 2011 is rolling in.. this means new years resolutions. One of the most popular new years resolutions are to get in shape, or perhaps shed a few pounds. Many people think that if they get a gym membership, and go a couple times a week this will be all they need to achieve their goals of getting in shape or losing some weight. WRONG. Weight loss is a journey…. and for some, it can be a very long journey at that. Gaining back your health includes an abundance of change. One of the largest contributing factors to weight loss is your diet plan. Today I will give you a few tips to get healthy and shed a few extra pounds with healthy meal plans to lose weight. No gym required.

The reason you have gained the weight in the first place has been your diet. Many people disregard breakfast. This meal is the most important meal of day because it starts up your metabolism. This is something that you really need to understand. You metabolism WILL slow down if you are only eat 2 LARGE meals a day, it will slow down if you are eating 2 small meals a day, and it will slow down if you are not putting the right fuel into your system.

To start off, cut out the simple sugars. These include white bread, sugar in your coffee, pastries, plain bagels, white pasta, cookies and most fast food.

Then, recognize the importance of water. Its huge. It gets your digestive system moving, and it helps rid of any toxins that are slowing you down.. literally.

Start eating a healthy breakfast. This should/can include, a bowl of cereal (Fibre One, Vector, Cheerios, nature valley) you should use low-fat milk, and for some extra nutrients add fresh berries, apples, or bananas.

You can also refer to the other breakfast healthy meal plans idea that I have previously posted.

Then.. about 3 hours later have a snack. This snack should include a fruit accompanied with a protein or a fat. So, lets say an apple with 10-15 almonds, or a low fat cheese.

So, if you work a job that is from 9-5, we are probably at about 2:30 or three o’clock. Now its lunch time. This should include a protein, a complex carbohydrate and some vegetables. This can be a piece of chicken breast, accompanied with a small sweet potato and a fresh salad. Avoid processed dressing. Try Balsamic vinegar and olive oil to put on your salad, and if you need to spice up your chicken try some Mrs. Dash sodium (salt) free spices.

Now, its about 5:30 you are hitting the road and your on the way home. Dinner time is creeping up, but if you’re sitting in traffic and you can feel your tummy growling. For times like these make sure you have something in your bag. This is when most people fail. Many people swing through the McDonalds drive through to get a burger to hold them until they get home. Terrible idea, AND it waste of money and chances are you will feel guilty afterward if you’re trying to get in shape! So.. always have a little granola bar in your bag. Not a granola bar that is loaded with sugar like a S’mores bar. But try something like Kashi or Nature valley. These can even be thrown into your dash board for desperate times.

Now you are home, and the family is getting hungry. You’re dinner, much like your lunch should consist of a protein, a complex carbohydrate and vegetables. This can include extra lean ground beef spaghetti sauce, whole wheat noodles, and a fresh spinach salad with any vegetables. Again, light on the dressing.

If your family enjoys stir fry. Sautee some frozen or fresh vegetables with some diced up chicken breast, and put it on a bed or brown, or wild rice.

Many of us deal with unsupportive families who are not willing to eat such foods, but this is about YOU.. not the entire family. IF they are not willing to be supportive and help make the changes, recognize what you are going after… YOUR HEALTH. Continue your healthy eating, and consider the fact that you recently had a granola bar, you can hold off for a few extra minutes to make your own plate.

Remember… drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Drink with every meal. Its hard to get used to, but after a few days, your body and mind will thank you.

Key point here, DO NOT starve yourself. It will only come back to bite you. Eat frequently. When you are hungry.. EAT.. just make sure its healthy, clean food. With all of this information, you are well on your way to starting a fabulous diet that will not feel like a diet, it will become your lifestyle. It will help with your weight-loss and over all health. So, there you go, this is your new outline to starting your healthy meal plans to lose weight. In the upcoming articles, I will give you some more meal ideas and few extra tips to rid of the few extra pounds.