Make A List Of The Foods You Want To Avoid And Stick To It
When you know you’re prone to overeating, it’s essential that you change the way you think. What makes this particularly difficult is that you might also be inclined to avoid foods that you know are healthy for you. The best way to overcome this conundrum is to make a list of the foods you want to avoid and then do your best to avoid them. According to research, making a list of foods you want to avoid can increase the likelihood of weight loss by 33%. Here’s what you need to do:
Avoid Foods With Added Sugar
Added sugar is another common cause of weight gain. It’s present in many different types of foods, from baked goods and ice creams to soups, salads, and garnish on dinner rolls. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a tasty dessert now and then, adding too much sugar to your diet can lead to major health problems. Excessive sugar consumption has been directly linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. To keep your waistline slim, stay away from foods with added sugar.
Cut Back On The Booze And The Candy
Reducing your alcohol intake and cutting back on the candy can help you lose weight as well. It’s well-established that drinking alcoholic beverages and eating foods containing added sugar adversely affect the level of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that naturally promotes relaxation and happiness. When your body is flooded with unnatural amounts of serotonin, you’re more likely to experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Cut back on the drink and the sweets and you might just feel a little happier and more relaxed.
Consume More Potatoes And Carrots
There are many reasons why these foods work well for weight loss, but the main reason has to do with their low glycemic index. That’s the scale rating (glycemic index) of a food that indicates how much it raises your blood sugar. When you eat foods with a high glycemic index, your body releases insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin is usually a good thing, but when your body is already producing too much of it, you’re more likely to gain weight rather than lose it. Carrots and potatoes have a low glycemic index, and so can lima beans, broccoli, and spinach. These are some of the foods that you should incorporate more of into your diet if you want to lose weight.
Eat More Unprocessed, Fresh Fruit And Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are some of the best foods for your health, and they’re also some of the most filling foods. What’s great is that they don’t have any added sugar or salt, so you don’t have to steer clear of those things. Plus, fruit and vegetables contain valuable vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. They also have high water content, which makes you feel full and encouraged to eat more. What’s not to like?
Reduce The Amount Of Time You Spend Watching TV
If you’re watching television regularly (more than two hours per day), you’re probably wondering why you’re gaining weight. There are several reasons why this could be happening, but the primary reason has to do with the type of shows that you watch. Most TV programming is designed to be relaxing and escapist, which means that it often features cartoons, sitcoms, and dramas with humorous storylines. Believe it or not, but some of these types of shows can actually serve to distract you from exercising and eating healthy foods. When you’re trying to lose weight, cut back on the amount of time you spend watching TV. Instead, you could try reading a book, playing a computer game, or going for a walk.
Avoid Processed, Bad-For-You Foods
Another important point to make is that processed foods are typically high in calories, saturated fats, and sugar. These are the foods that you should be avoiding if you’re trying to lose weight. While some people like the convenience that these types of foods offer, you’ll do better in the long run if you prevent yourself from consuming them. Instead, opt for the fresh fruits and vegetables that you can find at your local market. When you eat these foods, you’re providing your body with nutrients that it needs to function properly. You’ll also reduce the risk of certain illnesses that can crop up due to poor nutrition.
Use Exercise As A Means Of Weight Loss
If you don’t want to lose weight, you should consider incorporating physical activity into your routine. When you move around more, your body will burn calories, and this can help you lose weight. Don’t expect that you’ll suddenly decide to drop a dress size just by hitting the gym, but small changes here and there can add up. Working out regularly can also help boost your energy levels and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. If you want to lose weight, use exercise as a means to do so. You should be making this a part of your regular routine.
Eat Healthily And Exercise Regularly
To be able to lose weight, you need to do several things at once. While it’s important to cut back on the foods that you know are bad for you and focus on eating healthier, it’s also important to exercise regularly. If you want to lose weight, do both of these things and you’ll be on your way to an healthier lifestyle.
When you follow the steps above, you’ll be on your way to healthier habits. Before you know it, you’ll be thanking yourself for deciding to change the way you eat and live. Feel free to enjoy yourself while you’re at it. You deserve it.