For many of us, the new year already began with plenty of resolutions and promises to improve our lives. There were probably many good intentions behind those commitments, from cutting back on our bad habits to eating healthier. However, as the new year progressed, the novelty of the resolution wore off and life returned to normal. That’s when many of us decided that we need to change something about ourselves. Maybe we’ve been working too hard, maybe we’re no longer comfortable in our own company, or maybe we just want to shed a few extra pounds.
What will make a real difference is if we are able to implement small changes that lead to bigger improvements. That’s the key to making the most of 2019 and becoming the person we really want to be. Fortunately, that’s an easy feat if we look at it from a different perspective. All it takes is some time off, a little bit of introspection, and the willingness to shift our mindset a bit.
Here are five simple steps to help you on your way to a healthier and leaner you:
1. Eat healthy
In our opinion, there’s no bigger trigger to losing weight than simply avoiding food that is high in calories. However, this is easier said than done because when we’re craving something, it seems impossible to resist the siren call of a doughnut shop or chocolate cake. One of the simplest ways to avoid those temptations and stay on a diet is to prepare some healthy snacks, like fruit and vegetable juices, boiled eggs, and plain cooked pasta. This will help you satisfy your hunger while staying on track—and we all know that hunger is one of the biggest game changers when it comes to sticking to a diet. There’s also the option of making your own nut butter or jam, which can be stored at home and used in place of traditional snacks. All of these foods are easy to prepare, and that’s exactly what makes them so effective—they are simple to implement into your daily routine. The fact that they’re healthy and nutritious will help you stay motivated to continue your journey toward improved healthiness.
2. Exercise
In order to maintain a healthy weight, you need to get plenty of exercise. However, it’s important to note that not all exercise is created equal, so to speak. There are different types of exercises that promote different results, and we know what we’re trying to achieve here. We want to flatten our stomachs and shed those unwanted pounds. There are plenty of exercises that can help with that, like yoga or tai chi, but we don’t have the time for that. We need something easier to fit into our daily schedules, and that’s why we suggest the morning walk. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get a workout, walking is a great option because it doesn’t require much effort and it can be done anywhere. You can even download an exercise app to track your daily steps and get motivated to hit the pavement. Find something that works for you and stick with it; if you’re not happy with the results, there’s no point in continuing with the same routine.
3. Reduce sugar
Sugar is definitely one of the biggest causes of obesity, and it doesn’t take a medical expert to see the connection. When we’re exposed to too much sugar, particularly in the form of sweets and processed foods, our bodies begin to crave it and produce more of it. In order to reduce your sugar intake, you simply need to be aware of how much sugar you’re consuming and how much harm it’s doing. Cut back on those delicious doughnuts and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you in no time.
4. Eat vegetables
While some may associate vegetable intake with weight loss, that’s definitely not true. On the contrary, a diet rich in vegetables can actually lead to weight gain. This is because vegetables are filling and help us to feel fuller longer. This means that the fewer calories you consume, the fewer calories you’ll have available for storage. If you want to see real results, you need to change the way you eat vegetables by opting for raw food over cooked food. For instance, if you eat a spinach salad, prepare it without the use of oil or vinegar because these additives will cause you to gain weight. Broccoli, cauliflower, and winter vegetables like brussel sprouts, kale, and collards are all good choices as well because they are low in calories and high in nutrient density. Some people even recommend including beans in your diet as a means of increasing fiber intake and reducing the chances of developing obesity.
5. Take supplements
If you’re not getting all the nutrients that you need in sufficient quantities in the foods that you consume, it’s important to take supplements. Nutrients are important because they help our bodies function normally and efficiently. One of the important nutrients is vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and protecting our bodies from disease. It also helps with the absorption of calcium, which is vital for strong bones. The best way to get sufficient quantities of these nutrients is through food, as it is impossible to meet the requirements of these antioxidants and vitamins through synthetic means.
Now, these are just some general tips that will assist you in your journey. Of course, you don’t need to follow them to the tee in order to achieve successful weight loss. Take some time to read up on the subject and implement some of the suggestions that appeal to you. If you want to find out more about losing weight, consider taking a look at the recommended reading list at the end of this article.
Why Are Diets So Popular?
Dieting is incredibly popular because, as we mentioned above, it’s quite easy to implement. You don’t need to change your entire lifestyle to go on a diet, and that’s what makes it appealing. If you’re looking for ways to lose weight and feel less stressed out, there are many diets that you can opt for, like the popular Paleo diet. This diet promotes natural food consumption and encourages you to go for what nature provides. You may opt for a lifestyle change, but you don’t have to go for a fad diet that will soon disappear from the mainstream. Find something that you can stick to, and you’ll soon begin to see the benefits.