Is there anything more daunting than trying to lose weight? Between the pounds that keep piling on and the body self-image challenges that often come with larger sizes, trying to shed off those extra few pounds can feel pretty much like a full-time job. If you’re looking for ways to simplify your life and get rid of that unwanted weight without resorting to fad diets or fitness bombs, check out these 10 tips for losing weight without losing your mind.
Eat What You Want
When you’re trying to lose weight, the last thing you want to be doing is limiting yourself to boring, nutrient-poor foods that make you hold on to every single pound. You need enough nutrition to keep your body running at high levels, so aim to eat the following:
- Healthy carbs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dry goods
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Omega three fatty acids
- Nuts
Now, you might be tempted to follow the popular fad diet that restricts you to only eating vegetables and fruits, or to eat vegan foods, but these types of diets don’t offer your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best. What’s more, those eating restrictions don’t allow you to eat the foods you actually crave, which often leads to over-eating and weight gain. Instead of doing that, try to focus on what your body needs and allows you to enjoy eating the more luxurious foods you’re not used to.
Take Your Time
Even though you may have heard that you need to be eating healthier and losing weight as soon as possible, you shouldn’t rush into making changes that aren’t suited to your personal situation. On the flip side, you don’t want to make the mistake of trying to follow a trendy diet that will leave you feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. Take your time to study why you’re interested in losing weight and how you’ll go about doing it. Are you looking for a way to tone down your extra pounds? Are you battling an eating disorder? Are you trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle and become more active? Find the reason that motivates you and work towards it, and you’ll be able to make the right dietary changes that help you get there.
Find The Perfect Health Coach
If you’re serious about losing weight and aren’t content with simple tips and tricks, you might want to consider enlisting the help of a fitness or nutrition coach. A health coach can help you figure out how to utilize the tools available to you, whether that’s going to the gym more or eating healthier, or both. A health coach can also help you identify areas of your life that you want to work on changing, and help you find the motivation to make those changes.
Join A Supportive Group
One of the things that can help you on your quest to lose weight is a supportive group. Whether you join a health forum online or join a gym with your friends, having people there who share your goal will give you the boost you need to get through those tough times. It’s not always easy to lose weight and being in a supportive group can help make it less intimidating. Plus, you’re more likely to reach your goal when you have people there to help encourage you.
Reduce Stress
Reducing your stress levels will do wonders for your weight loss efforts. If you’re constantly stressing about money, work, or what to cook for dinner, it’s going to be hard to concentrate on anything else. Whether you prefer taking a walk, going to the gym, or having a night out with your girl friends, find something that makes you feel better and stick with it. Reducing your stress will help you get back on track, and make it easier for you to stay mindful of what you’re eating and how much you’re exercising.
Make Eating A Passion
If you find that food is a source of stress for you, why not make it your passion? If you’re truly interested in losing weight, you might want to consider pursuing a career in dietetics or nutrition. A career in dietetics can help you understand the science of nutrition and the role that food plays in our bodies. While a career in nutrition can help you develop a greater understanding of how the body functions and the role that certain foods play in maintaining a healthy weight. Why not find your calling and work towards becoming the best possible version of yourself?
Get To The Point
The most effective weight loss strategies use proven methods and tools to help you reach your goal. If you’re doing things the easy way by simply cutting back on the foods you love, you might see very little success. Instead, look for diets, workout routines, and food supplements that can help you shed off those extra pounds, and the before and after photos will be proof that you’re on the right track. Get to the point as soon as possible so you can enjoy your new look and feel more fulfilled than ever before.
Use Technology
There’s no question that technology is evolving and the ways that we use it to stay connected and find information are changing the way we live. One of the most significant changes is how we access and use health-related information. If you’ve been searching for answers or trying to figure out what works best for you, consider using the following:
- Health forums
- Websites
- Statistically verified weight loss results
- Instagram accounts
- E-books
- YouTube videos
- Blogs
Finding the information that you need online can make a world of difference, especially when you’re not sure where to start or whether a strategy will work for you. Plus, you have access to a wide range of information that could potentially help you reach your goal. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for health coaches and registered dieticians who could help you figure out which approach is best suited to your situation.
To help you reach your goals, whether that’s shedding off those extra few pounds or finding the fitness level that makes you joyous to be around, these health coaches and registered dieticians are here to help. With a little bit of effort and the right guidance, you could be on your way to a healthier, happier you.