Being overweight is a major health issue among people of all ages. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about one in four children are at risk for becoming overweight or obese. And that’s not good for their health in the long term.
Although genetic factors play a role in weight gain, most cases of obesity can be attributed to lifestyle and dietary choices. While trying to lose weight, you will quickly learn that diets don’t work for everyone. And since different individuals have varying degrees of metabolic rates, it’s not possible to simply diet and exercise for weight loss and call it a day. If you want to keep the weight off, you will most likely have to adjust your diet and exercise habits.
How Much Should You Eat?
When you are trying to lose weight, one of the most critical questions is how much should you eat? And the answer is: as much as you need! Just like with most things in life, calories count. However, when it comes to your health, you should never indulge in over-eating. In fact, there’s an old saying that goes, “You are what you eat” which means that bad food choices can lead to poor health.
So, what are good food choices? According to the experts at Eat Better, the answer is complicated. But, when you are trying to lose weight, the important thing to keep in mind is that you should eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. You may also want to consider cutting out foods with added sugars and eating more slowly.
What Kind of Exercise Should You Do?
As with most things in life, the type of exercise you need will depend on your body-type. If you are very active, you may not need to exercise at all! But if you are looking for more weight loss, you should consider doing some type of exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. They also suggest that you try a mix of both to get the best results.
There are several different types of exercises you can do to help lose weight, and you should try out a few to see which one you like best. Ideally, you should choose an activity that you enjoy and that will keep you motivated. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is something you build and maintain over time, so make sure that you find the motivation to keep going!
The Importance of Sleep
Pro-longed sleep deprivation has been found to result in significant weight gain. So if you are looking for ways to lose weight, you should get at least eight hours of sleep each night. You may also want to try for nine or ten hours to minimize the risk of obesity. Sleep also promotes healthy brain function, which could mean that you will feel more focused and engaged during the day. So, the recommended amount of sleep should help you reach your goal of slimming down!
Avoid Stressful Living
If you are constantly worried about money, work stress, and relationship problems, you are likely to gain weight. And the opposite is also true – being relaxed and comfortable prevents obesity. So, try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. If you feel like your life is going smoothly, you may want to consider taking a minute to relax and enjoy yourself. Even taking a walk, visiting friends, or going to the movies can help you unwind after a stressful day. And if you really need to work through your problem, seek professional help. Talking to a therapist can also help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which can lead you to healthier decisions in the future.
Make Sure You Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day contributes to weight loss. But that’s not all there is to it. According to the experts at Eat Better, drinking enough water keeps your skin moist, which in turn helps you stay cool. It also helps maintain healthy joints and aids in digestion. So, by drinking enough water, you are sure to boost your energy levels and lose weight. Just make sure that you drink pure water. You don’t want any additives in it.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
If you skip breakfast, your body will clock the deficit in calories and you will quickly gain weight. However, lunch and dinner are essential for continuing to lose weight, so don’t skip them. Even if you are doing everything else right and are following the advice of the experts at Eat Better, you may still stall your weight loss if you skip breakfast. Eating a hearty breakfast may help fill you up and keep you motivated to continue exercising.
So, what should you have for breakfast? According to the experts at Eat Better, an egg-white wrap with tomato and red pepper sandwiches are some of the lowest calorie options. Also, make sure you eat something with fiber. Choosing whole grains will help keep you filled up and prevent unnecessary calorie consumption. Plus, since fiber slows digestion, it may cause you to feel fuller for a longer period of time. So, eating adequate amounts of breakfast will help you reach your target weight.
Use This Checklist To Get Started
If you are looking for ways to lose weight, you should consider following a healthy lifestyle which means eating well and exercising regularly. But you should also try to adopt a positive attitude toward your goal of slimming down and use the following checklist to get started: