It’s no secret that most of the worlds population suffers from obesity. According to the World Health Organization, more than 400 million people are currently classified as obese. That’s almost one in three individuals. It is a serious health issue, and the scale of the obesity crisis is only set to rise. In fact, according to a study conducted by the International Obesity Task Force, the number of obese people will double by next year.
Whether you’re born with a generous booty or you inherited a pear-shaped figure from your parents, there is an unenviable plethora of excuses as to why you shouldn’t want to lose weight. After all, everyone deserves to feel beautiful, right? Well, while there is no denying that some people are blessed with great genes, the fact remains that we all have to eat and drink to survive. And what’s more, the wellness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and someone is making money off your misfortune. If you’re among the millions of people who are classified as obese, then you’re in luck as there are six tried & tested ways to rid yourself of the unwanted fat & calories. So while you wait for a miracle drug to appear on the market, there are simple things you can do to improve your health.
Eat More Vegetables
If you’re reading this, then it’s probably safe to assume that you’re already aware of the significant health benefits that vegetables bring. From cancer prevention to heart disease relief, they are definitely good for you. If you’re not eating the recommended five to nine servings of veggies daily, then it’s time to change that. Aim for at least three fruits and vegetables to each meal, and you’ll be on your way to slimmer times. You’ll also be doing your body some favor, because fruits and vegetables provide your body with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To best ensure that you get your fill, eat them raw or lightly cooked. If you’re a fan of the grill, try grilling some fruit instead of meat to add a bit more flavor to your diet. And last but not least, the humble potato is another good source of nutrients and fiber, and it’s also a great source of energy. So next time you’re feeling weak and low, pop open a potato and enjoy the burst of energy it provides.
Reduce Your Food Preference
Do you enjoy food more than health? If yes, then it’s time to reduce your consumption of unhealthy foods. The truth is that most junk foods are loaded with preservatives, and these foods taste delicious but they aren’t good for you. A lot of calories and empty carbs are hidden inside, and the more you consume, the more you’ll gain. If you’re looking for alternatives, then choose foods that are high in fiber and protein, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, pumpkin seeds, and beans. In place of a regular doughnut, try a baked potato with all the fixings or a bowl of steaming hot soup. You’ll find that some of the foods you love can actually help you lose weight. It’s all about what changes you’re willing to make in your diet to change your life for the better. If you’re looking for a fun way to shed off some pounds, then indulge in all-you-can-eat buffets at restaurants, or have them send you a weekly box of junk food. Just make sure that you monitor your calories, so you don’t end up breaking the bank.
Exercise More
We all know that exercise is important. It keeps the body active and moving, which in turn keeps us healthy. It also gets the blood pumping and the mind alert. If you’re looking for ways to lose weight, then exercise should be at the top of your list. It’s easy to list the exercises that you have to avoid, like doing sit-ups or running, but it’s more important to focus on the ones that you have to do more of. Swimming is great because it’s easy for most people and it can be done anywhere. It burns calories and it works out all the muscles in your body, not just the ones you use to breathe. If you’re not a fan of swimming, then take up biking or hiking. These activities will help you get out into the fresh air and away from the crowds, while giving you a great workout.
Drink More Water
Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day will help you lose weight. The reason behind this is pretty self-explanatory; water helps you stay hydrated, which in turn lowers your appetite. So aside from making you look and feel better, it’s also good for your waistline. Unfortunately, water is very difficult to avoid, so you’ll have to get creative. You can try buying a water bottle and keeping it in the bathroom, or invest in a water dispenser and fill it up at work. Or better yet, invest in a water cooler and ensure that everyone on your staff benefits from staying hydrated throughout the day.
Reduce Stress
We all go through stressful periods in our life. Some of us are more prone to stress than others, but no matter what stage you’re at, you can reduce the amount of stress that you’re facing. If you’re unable to change your circumstances, then you might consider seeking professional help. There are many options available, and while it might be difficult to find the one that’s right for you, you’ll feel a significant difference once you do. If you think that stress is holding you back from losing weight, then take a step back and re-evaluate your life. Maybe you’re using unhealthy coping mechanisms and you need to change that. Or perhaps you need to accept that some things are out of your control and you have to deal with it. Whatever the case may be, stress will only serve to weight you down. So try to reduce it as much as you can. For some people, stress may be a major factor in their weight loss journey. For others, it might be something that they discover is interfering with their ability to eat properly. It really depends on you and what works best for you.
Eat Healthily
Let’s face it, not all foods are created equal. Some foods are healthier than others, and some ingredients are more potent than others. For example, the humble potato has been shown to have more nutrients than any other vegetable aside from the humble tomato. So it shouldn’t come as a great surprise that potatoes have been credited with aiding in weight loss. If you want to adopt a healthy lifestyle, then avoid foods loaded with sugar, preservatives, and refined flour. Instead, eat foods rich in fiber, vegetables, and natural sugars. This will not only help you to lose weight but will also make you feel much better in the long run. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re getting the proper nutrition for your body. If you’re not sure what nutrients your body needs, then consult a nutritionist or dietitian. They will be able to guide you on the right path towards a healthier lifestyle.
Think About Portion Control
A lot of people forget about portion control when they’re trying to lose weight. They eat large quantities of food, regardless of whether or not they’re actually hungry. This can lead to disastrous results. Make sure that you’re aware of how much you’re putting into your mouth. Are you really hungry or are you just so bored that you crave food? Consider paying more attention to your body than to the clock, and be sure not to eat until you’re full. One of the worst things you can do is eat until you’re bloated, and have food spill out all over the place. This not only makes a messy kitchen, but it’s also unappetizing. So try to eat smaller portions, and when you feel that you’re at the end of the meal, then stop. Set a timer to remind yourself to stop when you’re 75% full. You’ll soon realize how much more pleasant eating is when you control the portions. Plus, when you’re aware of how much you’re putting into your mouth, then you’re more likely to be selective about the food choices you make. This means you’ll consume fewer calories, and you’ll be losing weight even if you eat the same foods as before. So think about portion control, and you’ll soon find that it makes a difference.