Weight loss is a long and challenging process, filled with ups and downs. However, your effort and commitment will eventually pay off as you gradually improve your overall health and self-esteem. Whether you’re about to start or have been following a new diet for weeks, you probably have specific goals in mind, among which is losing those extra pounds. People have different body types and health requirements, so it only makes sense for the best weight-loss formula to vary from one person to another. However, some tried-and-tested tips work for pretty much everyone – with a few tweaks here and there. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at six effective ways that will help you shed that excess weight.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Start Your Day with a Healthy Breakfast
Many of us lead busy lives with hectic schedules where we’re always rushing in the morning to get to work, drop the kids off at school, run errands, etc. While it might be easier and more convenient to stop at your favourite shop on your way out and grab a latte and a muffin, this is not a healthy breakfast alternative. That snack alone contains approximately 45 grams of fat! If you don’t have time to make breakfast, consider packing fresh fruits, nuts, healthy smoothies, or ready-made salads for work.
Get Moving
You may not have time in your packed schedule to hit the gym, but the good news is that you don’t need a fitness centre to lose those extra pounds. No matter what your daily routine is like, try to move more often. You can wake up 30 minutes earlier to go for a quick walk before work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther from the entrance when you go to the grocery store, or simply taking frequent breaks to stretch your legs by walking around the office.
Count Your Calories
Tracking your calorie intake helps you cut calories to lose weight and allows you to keep track of what you’re eating, even after reaching your goal weight, to stay in shape. You can either keep a diet journal or look for a Play Store app to help you count your daily calories. Fitness and nutrition apps will be your best friends on your weight-loss journey. They will enable you to keep track of your diet, ensure your body is getting all the nutrition it needs, and walk you through the most effective workouts for your fitness goals.
Take up an Outdoor Hobby
Engaging in certain hobbies can help relieve your stress and anxiety. These hobbies don’t just include knitting, reading, painting, and other indoor activities; outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, and biking can help you relax while simultaneously offering a full-body workout. Making an effort to try out new, non-sedentary hobbies will go a long way in helping you shed those extra pounds, and it will also improve your health and quality of life.
Choose Your Carbs Wisely
Carbohydrates come in many irresistible forms, including pasta, white bread, sugar-packed cereals, and candy. But these are simple carbs that your body metabolizes quickly, leaving you hungry shortly after consuming them. Cutting back on refined carbs or replacing them with complex carbs, such as whole grains, oatmeal, and vegetables will curb your appetite, lower your insulin levels, and help you lose weight more quickly.
Drink More Water
Studies suggest that drinking water before meals can help fill you up, so you end up consuming fewer calories, which, in turn, may help with weight management. It also increases your resting energy expenditure, which is the number of calories you burn without engaging in physical activities. To maximize these benefits, replace sugary beverages with water. However, it’s important to note that increasing your water intake will only give you a small boost; you’ll have to do a lot more than drink water if you want to lose more than just a pound or two.
Crash diets and fitness boot camps can kick-start your weight-loss journey, but it’s the smaller changes that make all the difference down the line. To lose those stubborn pounds and keep the extra weight off, you need to make some lifestyle changes, follow the above suggestions, and get ready for the long haul. It’s a long process, so if you start to lose motivation along the way, try to change things up. Look for new ways to push yourself by experimenting with different recipes, outdoor exercises, and workout routines. By keeping things fun and challenging, you’ll reach your goal weight and keep your waistline in check.