Most people set weight loss goals for the New Year, but tend to lose sight of them until swimsuit season is on the horizon. You might be tempted to crash diet or try something extreme, but there’s no need for that. All you need is to incorporate a few natural and healthy habits into your lifestyle for
effective weight loss.
Balance is always the best way to dropping unwanted pounds, so a combination of proper nutrition and exercise is a good foundation. For added help that takes little effort on your part, try these tips for natural and healthy ways to lose that weight!
EAT MORE PROTEIN
|
Choosing lean proteins helps your body burn more calories during digestion. As an added bonus, it can help you feel fuller for longer!
Some delicious food with high protein are eggs, almonds, chicken breast, oats, milk, and yogurt, to name a few.
|
CHOOSE WHOLE FOODS OVER PROCESSED FOODS
The fresher the food, the better off you’ll be. Avoid pre-packaged foods that contain ingredients you can’t pronounce. Anything with added sugar and sodium is the kiss of death for weight loss.
FOCUS ON GETTING BETTER SLEEP
When you don’t get enough good sleep, your appetite hormones fluctuate. This makes losing weight more difficult. Start changing bad habits by going to sleep earlier and earlier each night. Stop using your phone or computer an hour before bed would help. Simple, good sleeping habits can bring tremendous benefits to your sleep and diet!
|
|
DO CARDIO AND WEIGHTED EXERCISES
Cardio comes in many forms from cycling to swimming. Ideally, one of the best ways to watch the scale tip in your favor is to combine it with weights or even bodyweight exercises. Even better, put it all together for a HIIT (
high intensity interval training) workout which maximizes fat burning in a shorter amount of time.
STOP DRINKING CALORIES
Sodas, even the diet variety, have zero redeeming qualities. Cut them out of your diet immediately. Processed juices are just as bad, netting you more empty calories than you need. If you
eliminate calories from the things you drink, you’ll make it easier to lose the weight you want.
START DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER
|
Water helps improve all the systems in your body, delivering necessary oxygen to all your organs. Every day, make sure you’re drinking enough of it. Try to drink at least half gallon of water a day! Our Daily 8 water bottle does just that. If you crave something with flavor, get an infuser bottle that allows you to add fresh fruits and vegetables to it for more flavor and nutrients without any of the bad stuff.
|
SLOW DOWN DURING MEALS
Everyone is busy, but taking the time to sit and eat your meal can save you from consuming more calories than you should. Chew your food slowly and set your utensils down between bites. It takes a good 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full, so take it easy while you eat and you’ll likely wind up with leftovers for later.
FINAL THOUGHT
One of the best ways to lose weight is to get completely honest with yourself. Write down what you eat, when you eat it, how you’re feeling, how much water you’re drinking, and what exercises you’re doing. If you’re still gaining weight or staying at the same weight, you’ll be able to pinpoint the cause and take steps to focusing in the right direction. Think about how good you’ll look and feel when you make healthy weight your focus!