Most people have a dream of perfect health; a lean body, bright eyes, and high energy levels. Unfortunately, many people wake up one day and find themselves swept away in the vicious cycle of obesity. There is a wide array of factors that contribute to weight gain, but you cannot avoid the fact that you are consuming more calories than you are burning. Although it might seem like an impossible feat, shedding off those extra pounds requires some serious lifestyle changes. Here is how you can shed off those extra pounds on average without going on a diet or spending a fortune.
Cut Back On The Booze And Tobacco
The first step to shedding off extra pounds is to cut back on the booze and tobacco. The Surgeon General warns that these substances increase your waistline. If you are a drinker, you might as well commit to a night time routine where you refrain from drinking anything except water. The same goes for the cigarette smokers. Give it up for good and you will shed off a few extra pounds before you know it. We know this might be hard to do if you are an addict, but those few pounds would help a lot.
Eat Healthy
When you eat healthy, you are essentially telling your body to go on a diet. Packing your diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you stay slim. You should be aiming for at least five or six small meals a day to keep your metabolism high. If you eat less frequently, you will inevitably consume more calories due to your body’s reduced activity levels. Make sure to include plenty of water intake to stay hydrated. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help you stay slim. Avoid eating anything after 7 pm or before 11 am to ensure that you are not eating too many calories. These are golden rules that will help you shed off those extra pounds.
Join A Gym
The next step in losing weight is to join a gym. Working out at a gym will put you in good company, as there will be people of all shapes and sizes there to motivate and assist you. You will learn how to use the equipment properly, and most importantly, you will learn how to eat smart while working out. A gym membership will also provide you with a conducive environment to track your daily food intake, so you can better understand where you are spending your calories. If you are worried about the expenses, there are many membership plans offered by various gyms that you can find online. Working out at the gym will help you get in shape, feel good, and save you money in the long run.
Reduce Stress
Reduce your stress levels and you will automatically start shedding off those extra pounds. Studies have shown that chronic stress causes your body to store extra calories in the form of body fat. Eating healthy, getting plenty of exercise, and joining a gym will help reduce your stress levels. Try to spend more time with friends and family, and less time worrying about your responsibilities. If you feel like your mental health is taking a hit, seek help from a professional. Stressful situations will no doubt come up for you, and you cannot avoid them, but you can learn how to manage your stress effectively. If your mental health is a priority, ensure that you invest in good quality food and beverages, as these will increase your energy levels and help you to reduce stress.
Consume More Water
Another way of saying you are dieting is to consume more water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily will ensure you are staying hydrated and will put you on the right track to weight loss. You should drink plenty of water even when you are not feeling thirsty. Some research indicates that people who drink at least eight glasses of water daily are less likely to be overweight or obese. If you follow the guidelines above, you will help your body to rid itself of toxins, which can contribute to a healthier you.
Track Your Steps
When you track your steps, you are essentially keeping a food record. The act of recording what you eat, how much you exercise, and the number of calories you consume will give you a clear picture of your current situation. You can use many different tools to track your steps, such as a walking app, a fitness tracker, or a smartphone. Having a clear picture of your present situation will help you identify areas for improvement, and you will be able to make more informed decisions about your health. For example, if you see that you are gaining weight, you might want to cut back on the amount of soda you are drinking. If you are spending a lot of time at the gym, you might consider taking up a sport you’ve never tried before. Keep track of your steps and you will be able to identify areas for improvement that will help you reach your goal weight.
Avoid Fast Food
Avoid all fast food, especially those loaded with saturated fat and sugar. These foods will not help you lose weight, they will only contribute to it. If you want to lose weight, ditch the convenience food and head to a bakery or a café for a cupcake. You will find that many of these restaurants have healthy food options, which you can eat without feeling guilty. If you try to follow this advice, you will be well on your way to a healthy lifestyle change that will help you reach your goal weight.
Eat What You Need
Eat what you need, not what you want. Once you cut back on the soda and the snacks, you will start feeling pangs of hunger. Before you know it, you will be grazing on broccoli and steak. Although tempting, what you need and what you want are usually not the same. Some people think that they are on a diet when they are on a “temporary hiatus” from eating pizza, but in reality, they are just adding more vegetables to their diet. Make sure to eat the fruits and the vegetables that you crave, but make healthier choices when you want something sweet. If you follow these guidelines, you will be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle change that will help you reach your goal weight.
Create A Routine
Create a routine, and stick to it. Routine meal preparation will help you follow a healthier lifestyle, and it will make it much easier to track your food intake. On the weekends, you might cook a nutritious soup or salad, or bake a cake or doughnut. On weekdays, prepare a small meal (like an omelet or chicken salad) to ensure that you are giving your body sufficient energy to function. This will help you avoid the temptation of eating fast food on the go, as you will be preparing healthy meals at home. Studying nutritional values will also be much easier when you are cooking your own food, as you know exactly what is in it. If you have children, you might want to consider cooking a meal only once or twice a week, in order to create a routine for your little ones as well.
Get Enough Sleep
When you get enough sleep, you are essentially telling your body that it’s okay to eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates. These foods will offer your body energy, and you will start losing weight. Sleep also improves the functioning of various hormones, which makes you feel healthier and reduces the risks of certain cancers. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase stress levels, which leads to disordered eating and excessive drinking. These habits can cause you to gain weight, so make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you are an adult, it is recommended that you get eight hours of sleep. If you find that you are sleep deprived, cut back on the booze and cigarettes, and make sure to get some shuteye. You will notice that your energy levels will increase, and you will start shedding off those extra pounds.
Reduce Consumption
Reduce your consumption of unhealthy foods and you will start losing weight automatically. If you want to reduce your waistline, you will have to reduce the amount of foods with added sugars, preservatives, and fats. You might have to cut back on the soda, beer, and sports drinks. If you are looking for ways to cut back on your calorie intake, consider eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid fried food, and stick to foods that are cooked in healthy oils. Consider cutting back on the cheeses, as most of them are high in calories. If you want to lose weight, reduce the amount of foods with added sugars, preservatives, and fats.