5 Top Tips for Losing Weight

Posted: Jan 14 in Health And Wellness by Dr. Lazarus

Losing weight may feel like an intimidating endeavor, but in reality it can be both simple and fun. The key to losing weight is to find the methods that work for you. In doing so, you will increase your odds of keeping the weight off for years to come. With these top five tips, you will be able to lose weight fast while enjoying the process.

A New Mindset About Food 

People often stress over the prospect of changing their entire diet to accommodate their weight-loss plan. You don’t have to throw away everything in your cabinets just to lose weight, but you do have to change your mindset about food and the amounts you eat. Most people gain weight by overeating, regardless of how much they exercise. To begin slimming down, you should turn your focus toward smaller portions of the same meals you already enjoy.

You can try drinking a glass of cold water before your meal to trick your mind into thinking you’re fuller, or try using smaller plates so that your portions look bigger. Another important trick is to imagine yourself walking immediately after the meal; if you are beginning to feel too full to walk, then you have already eaten too much. 

Simple Replacements

Many people are nervous about losing weight because they imagine bland meals followed by hours of starvation. Luckily, you can still enjoy flavorful snacks throughout the day, but you must be smart about what you put in your body. For example, replace soda with sugar-free iced tea. Instead of a candy bar or slice of cake, enjoy smaller pieces of dark chocolate, which has been proven to help lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. 

If you find yourself craving something sweet throughout the day, keep a bag of homemade trail mix filled with raisins and almonds to satisfy your sweet tooth with fiber, natural sugars, and a healthy dose of protein. For sandwiches, replace white bread with whole-grain wheat bread for a higher mineral content and less carbohydrates. These simple substitutions will keep you full while also providing the essential vitamins and minerals you need to successfully lose weight.

Take it Easy

People often rush into their new diets by changing their entire routine, obsessively counting carbohydrates, and overworking themselves in the gym. This may work for a month, but it usually leads to burnout and a return to old habits. Start slowly and work up to a pace you can live with. The results may be slower, but with a steady pace, you will find that the weight stays off.

Social Activities

While a nutritious diet is crucial for losing weight, exercise is equally necessary for the process, as it also encourages adherence to a healthier lifestyle. However, you want to participate in sports and activities that you can look forward to doing. Gyms are always crowded after people make their New Year’s resolutions, but by February the numbers are back to normal. To avoid this common trap, look for groups in your area that cater to your interests, such as bike riding, rock climbing, or hiking. You will get a great workout and make new friends who give you a reason to return.

Always Stay Positive

Weight fluctuates by the hour, and obsessing over the scale will only lead to worries. There will be times when you overeat or miss a workout. Many people get discouraged and fall back into their old habits. To avoid this, internalize the principle that weight loss is related to a healthy lifestyle, and that it is perfectly ordinary to not follow your routine exactly as you planned.

You should always strive to be the best you can be, but don’t feel guilty when something goes wrong. By following these tips, you will start losing weight without undue stress, while also ensuring that you keep it off in the future.