At any given time, up to half of Americans are trying to lose weight. This number is on the rise and has steadily increased in the last few years. Perhaps you’re in the group of people looking for weight loss secrets.
The simple science behind weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. This can be achieved by eating less and exercising more. Sounds simple enough, right?
The truth is that losing weight is quite difficult and finding the method that works for you may take some time. If you’re looking for weight loss tips that work, you’re in the right place.
This helpful guide will show you some weight loss hacks that can help you start working toward your goal. It’s important to also consult with a doctor so you can decide what a healthy goal weight is.
Choose Exercise That You Enjoy
There’s no faster way to fail at a workout program than to include activities you hate. That will only make it harder to find the motivation to get yourself moving and burn calories.
On the other hand, choosing an exercise program that you like doing increases the odds that you’ll stick with it. Your options aren’t limited to formal workouts at the gym.
Walking, jogging, dancing, and swimming are all choices that most people enjoy. You’ll find that choosing these activities will boost your motivation and help you feel that after exercise “high” that makes it so enticing to keep going.
Make a Plan
If you’re wondering how to lose weight safe and fast, having a plan is going to be your go-to step. Successful weight loss is so much more than just eating less and moving more.
Having a written plan helps hold you accountable and lets you see where you’re going. This includes writing down when you’ll exercise and what activities you’ll do.
It also includes making a menu of what you plan to eat for the week and then shopping for the ingredients you need to stick with your plan.
Put the Scale Away
A scale can be a handy tool for charting your progress. But too much isn’t a good thing. In fact, it can get in the way of your ultimate goal.
At the beginning of your weight loss program, you’ll likely lose weight faster than you will once you’ve slimmed down. This is normal, but it can make you feel like your progress is stalled, even when it hasn’t.
Your weight also fluctuates over the course of a day so weighing yourself too often can mean seeing the numbers go up and down. This can be frustrating and get in the way of your motivation.
Go ahead and use the scale now and then, but don’t make it a habit to step onto it multiple times each day.
Watch Out for “Diet” Foods and Drinks
Many people opt for diet versions of their favorite foods and drinks. This can help you cut calories. The problem is that it often tricks you into thinking you can eat and drink other items.
When you think you’ve taken control of your calorie intake by choosing diet soda, for example, you may actually end up taking in more. That’s because you feel like you’ve got some wiggle room, which can leave you reaching for things you shouldn’t.
Many people who have successfully dropped unwanted weight will tell you to enjoy the real version. Just do so occasionally as a treat and in smaller portions.
Drink More Water
One of the most overlooked weight loss helpful hints is to stay well hydrated. Thirst can masquerade as hunger, meaning you might think you need food when all you really need is a glass of water.
Water is vital for many of your body’s functions. The average adult needs at least 8 glasses per day. Replace soda, juice, and sweet tea with water and your calorie count will go down dramatically.
Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals might sound like a prime way to save some calories. However, it tends to backfire in most cases. That’s because you’ll get so hungry that you won’t have the willpower to skip unhealthy foods.
Instead, enjoy filling meals that are low in calories at regular intervals. Make sure they contain protein and fiber, which will help control your appetite. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good options.
Your best bet is to eat every couple of hours. This staves off hunger. When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to eat high-calorie convenience foods. Satisfying your hunger regularly keeps this from happening.
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
You read that right. Research shows that dark chocolate can curb other food cravings. That includes sweet, salty, and fatty food cravings.
There’s a lot of science to this, but it only works with dark chocolate. Looks for versions that are at least 70 percent cacao. Milk and white chocolate usually have a lot of added sugar and don’t offer the same benefits.
Other Weight Loss Secrets
There are certainly more than seven ways to ditch the extra pounds for good. Mix and match them to find what works best for you.
Other ideas include taking your lunch to work instead of ordering in. Another suggestion is to check a restaurant’s menu beforehand so you are prepared to choose something nutritious.
Eating your meals and snacks from smaller dishes can help you control your portion sizes. Single-serving foods are another way to keep you from overdoing it.
The ultimate goal is to find a method that works for you. If something isn’t helping you reach your goals, quit wasting time and try something else instead.
Making the First Step
Armed with these weight loss secrets, you are ready to start your journey. Learning how to lose weight fast is more than just going on a diet. Are you ready to get started on the path to a healthier you? Click here to find a ChiroThin doctor in your area.