25 EASY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS
It seems that you can’t look at any magazine, television program or read through any website without seeing some advertisement or story about how to lose weight. And unfortunately, we are being inundated with information about weight loss due to the rising obesity rates and numbers of people struggling to lose or control their weight.
Despite the media attention and all the information that’s available, people simply aren’t losing weight. But there are some very good reasons for this: too much misinformation is available, too many people rely on fad diets, too many people look for a pill to help them lose weight and too many people just don’t want to acknowledge that it takes some work to lose the weight. Yet for those who do work to lose weight, the end result is always worth it.
It’s important to make the right kind of changes in order to lose weight and to keep that weight off over time. You will be healthier and your body will work more efficiently if you choose nutritious, high-quality foods and effective, high-impact exercises. Here are some steps to help you out.
1. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE AND VISUALIZE YOUR GOALS
Understand why you’re losing weight and what your purpose is. Take some time to re-affirm that losing weight is not just about looking good, but is also about being healthy. You may need to do this step every day, especially during those days that you struggle.
2. HAVE REALISTIC GOALS
You are not going to lose 20 kilograms in a week, so making that your goal will only set you up for failure. There’s an old adage that slow and steady wins the race. As you embark on a weight loss journey, use this adage as your mantra to help you set goals that are both challenging and within reason.
3. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU’RE EATING AND BE SPECIFIC
This is extremely important, especially when you just start on your new plan. You will be surprised at how many times you sabotage your diet and exercise plan without even realizing it.
4. BE PERSISTENT AND OVERCOME
There will be times when you just don’t follow your plan. Perhaps it’s that evening when you eat a whole bag of sweets in one sitting. Don’t let this derail your entire journey. Use it as a lesson to be learned and move forward.
5. TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT YOUR GOALS
This will create some accountability for you and will also provide you with support from those who care about you and love you.
6. REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A LIFESTYLE AND NOT A DIET
Diets end. And when they do, you go back to what you did before, which means you gain back the weight. Incorporate changes into your life that are permanent.
7. REWARD YOURSELF
As you meet your goals, choose non-food ways to reward yourself. Buy yourself a new outfit, go watch the latest movie or splurge on a spa session.
8. DON’T MIND THE SCALE
As people begin new exercise and food regimens, your weight may very well increase for a while. This is because you are gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Pay attention to how your clothes fit and how much you better you feel for at least the first few months.
9. DRINK MORE WATER
Many people mistake the feeling of thirst for the feeling of hunger. Sip on water all day long, making sure to consume 2.5 litres every day.
10. ADD IN THE FIBRE
Fibre makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time. However, if you currently don’t eat a lot of fibre, add it in slowly as too much at once can cause digestion issues.
11. DITCH THE SODA
There’s nothing worse than drinking empty calories. And choosing diet sodas are no better. Research is showing that diet sodas may actually lead to weight and fat gain. If you need something fizzy to drink, choose sparkling water or make your own water kefir.
12. PACK YOUR LUNCH
Going out to restaurants or grabbing snacks from the vending machine will only lead to consuming too many non-nutritious calories. Plan ahead so you have vegetables, fruits and lean protein in every meal.
13. CHOOSE HALF PORTIONS WHEN OUT WITH FRIENDS
Restaurant portions have greatly increased in size over the years. Get yourself back to what used to be normal and either select half portions, choose a small appetizer or split your meal with someone else.
14. SNACK AWAY
Snacks are not necessarily bad. Very small snacks of nutrient-dense foods can help you feel full all day long and can help you from over-eating at a mealtime. Choose a few almonds, a small apple or some chia pudding for a healthy snack.
15. USE THE APPLE RULE
If you decide you’re hungry, ask yourself if you’re hungry enough to eat an apple. If the answer is “no”, then you are probably not eating because of hunger. You may be eating out of boredom, stress or thirst
16. BUY SMALLER PLATES AND BOWLS
Studies show that as portions have increased over the years, so has our plate size. Instead of leaving half your plate empty when serving yourself, which may make you feel as if you’re being deprived, simply purchase smaller plates and bowls.
17. INGEST THE HEALTHY FATS
For too many years, we’ve been told to eat a low-fat diet to lose weight. This advice is wrong. When you eat a small amount of very healthy fats every day, you will become less inclined to overeat. Healthy fats include cold-pressed, non-processed oils such as virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, walnut oil or sunflower seed oil.
18. EAT YOUR VEGGIES
At least 50% to 75% of your plate should be vegetables. Pick the colourful ones, which have the most anti-oxidants and nutrients. Do not drown them in unhealthy sauces or dressing. Simply use some real butter or olive oil and vinegar to top them.
19. DRINK GREEN TEA
Add in a cup or two of green tea every day and you will also be jumpstarting your metabolism and providing some energy. Don’t drink too late in the day though, though as green tea does contain caffeine.
20. DOUBLE THE PROTEIN
Studies have shown that people who double their lean protein level lose more weight and fat than those who keep protein at a steady level. Incorporate lean cuts of chicken, pork and beef and incorporate in every meal. Eggs are also a delicious source of protein.
21. START YOUR DAY WITH A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
For most people, skipping breakfast simply equates to gorging later when they feel like they are starving. Make a high-protein and high-fibre breakfast a priority and you will avoid this entirely.
22. CUT DOWN ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
There’s nothing worse than drinking empty calories and as much fun as a few beers sound, these calories add up and can reverse any progress you’re making. Once you hit a target weight, adding back a few beers shouldn’t be an issue.
23. MAKE SURE EVERY MEAL HAS AT LEAST 3 FOOD GROUPS
Each meal should have protein, vegetables and grains. When you choose grains, make sure to choose whole grains that provide plenty of fibre and nutrients.
24. NEVER SKIP MEALS
Always make sure to plan out your meals and always make sure you have on hand what you need to make those meals. The best way to get off track is to stop planning what you’re going to eat. This means you grab whatever is convenient and easy and that usually means unhealthy.
25. ADD CARDIO EXERCISES TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Cardio burns more calories on average than almost every other activity. Luckily, there are cardio choices to meet almost any personal taste. Running, hiking, walking, cycling, elliptical machines, stair climbing, rowing, skateboarding, playing soccer are all great examples of good cardio choices.
