What You Should Know About How To Lose Weight
The best weight loss according to theislandnow.com is to find a way to lose weight that you can stick with for the rest of your life. I’m not talking about a quick fix, because if you are looking at this article then you probably know there is no such thing as a quick fix to losing weight. Even if you have tried different diets in the past or even joined a gym, you will still need some extra help from your diet and exercise habits to make sure you lose any weight. Here are my top seven tips to permanently and effectively lose weight, so you can start on the right foot!
- Eat 5 small meals per day instead of 3 big ones
If you want to lose weight fast, you must be disciplined enough to eat smaller portions more often. This doesn’t mean you should starve yourself, but by eating five small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones, you will never get full again. If you do get hungry between meals, just try drinking water or herbal tea to quench your thirst.
- Drink lots of water
By staying hydrated all through the day, you will feel fuller longer, which means you won’t crave unhealthy food. You should drink one glass (8oz) of water before each meal and another glass after every meal. It’s important to drink lots of water and avoid beverages like soda and alcohol. These drinks don’t contain much nutritional value and will only fill you up for a short period of time.
- Exercise daily
Just 30 minutes of cardio exercise every day is enough to increase metabolism and burn calories. Make sure you choose an activity that you enjoy doing and one that will keep you moving. Try walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Remember to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Your body will thank you later when it comes to losing weight!
- Reduce portion sizes
You are what you eat, so make sure you’re always mindful of how much you actually consume. By packing away less food into your stomach, you’ll naturally eat less, which will lead to weight loss. When you eat, think about how much you really need, not how many calories you are taking in. For example, if you order two tacos, ask for half of each and leave the other half of the meal on the plate to finish. Don’t use these leftovers as an excuse to binge later.
- Learn to love vegetables
Eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits is great for losing weight, but they aren’t always tasty. The key here is to find ways to prepare them that appeal to your taste buds. Instead of making salad out of lettuce and tomatoes, try sautéing them in olive oil and garlic. Or try roasting broccoli or cauliflower until golden brown and crunchy.
- Make healthy snacks
Sometimes, nothing beats grabbing a bag of chips or cookies when hunger pangs strike. However, having healthy options on hand is better than going back for seconds. Keep handy snacks like raw nuts or dried fruit, carrots, celery sticks and even plain yogurt. These little treats will keep you feeling satisfied while also helping you meet your weight loss goals.
- Get rid of junk food
This may sound extreme, but this one strategy alone will take you far. The first step is to buy only foods made without refined sugar or preservatives. Once you eliminate these items from your diet, the next step is to replace them with healthier versions of the same foods. A good place to start would be substituting white rice for whole grain or corn tortillas. You can also swap fatty meats for chicken breast, turkey breast or fish.
These are just some of the strategies I’ve found work to permanently and effectively lose weight. There are countless others that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. As long as you stay consistent, you will achieve your weight loss goals.
