If you are reading this article, you are probably trying to lose weight, adopt a healthier lifestyle and possibly be happier. It is not an easy path, but many people have tried and succeeded. Here are some methods by which you can lose weight in a healthy and natural way.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Initial steps
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want to do this
Are you trying to lose weight to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Do you want to do it to join the volleyball team? Do you do it to get into the wedding dress of your dreams, or to be able to show off a bikini in the summer? Understanding your motivations behind the choice you are about to make will give you a better chance of success in achieving your goal.
Step 2. Say goodbye to junk food
Those foods that represent a strong temptation for you such as sugary cereals, should be thrown in the garbage where they can no longer harm. If you live with roommates or relatives and throwing out unhealthy food is not an option to consider, ask them to hide it or put it in a place where it will no longer be a constant temptation for you.
Step 3. Make a plan
Whether it's a physical activity exercise plan or a healthy diet for the week, putting it down on paper is a great way to help you stick to your schedule and reach your ultimate goal.
Method 2 of 4: Food and drink
Step 1. You don't have to starve
Never skip meals, especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your metabolism starts working during breakfast, so the longer you put it off, the later you'll start burning fat. A modest, light breakfasts are a great way to start the morning because they get your metabolism going without overdoing the calories.
Step 2. Scrot up on healthy foods
The next time you go to the grocery store, buy foods like fruit, vegetables, chicken, turkey, fish, and wholemeal bread. Dairy products, such as yogurt and milk, are also a good option.
Step 3. Order something healthy when you eat out
For example, grilled chicken with a side of vegetables is much healthier than a burger and fries.
Step 4. Drink more water
You should drink about eight glasses a day. Furthermore, by choosing to drink water instead of high-calorie drinks such as soda, you can save several hundred calories a day. This will also help you digest food better and keep yourself hydrated. The more water you drink, the more you will cleanse your body.
Step 5. Chew slowly
When you are eating, chew slowly and make sure all food is finely cut. Not only does this help your digestive system, but it will make you feel fuller. The reason is that food that is not chewed well accumulates in the intestine, weighing down the stomach.
Step 6. Eat slowly
If you eat slower, you will feel fuller! This is because it takes your brain about twenty minutes to tell your body that you have eaten. So if you try to eat slowly, by the time you finish eating, your body will already have gotten the message, and you won't feel the need to take unnecessary extra portions.
Step 7. Cook the food at home
If you cook your own food, you have total control over what you are putting into your body. You can find healthy recipes for every meal of the day on many websites.
Method 3 of 4: Physical activity
Step 1. Do daily physical activity
You should make yourself available a certain amount of time to devote to physical activity, for example, thirty minutes a day, six days a week.
Step 2. Vary the exercises
Find ways to make it fun. Get your skates out, jump rope, catch an aerobics video, or get up early in the morning and go for a run. You could also take classes at the gym or join a team.
Step 3. Stick to the plan
If you take long breaks from your routine, it will take you much longer to get back into shape and reach your weight loss goal. Make sure you take the time to train.
Method 4 of 4: The psychological perspective
Step 1. Don't pay too much attention to what the scale says
You will lose more weight some weeks than others. If you haven't lost weight in a given week, it doesn't mean you've failed. Judge your results comprehensively. Do you feel healthier? Are you in better shape? Do the clothes fit you better? Stick to your plan and you'll eventually get the results you want.
Step 2. Involve a friend
If you and a friend of yours are both trying to lose weight and do it together, it will be easier. As a bonus, you will both have the opportunity to talk to someone who fully understands what you are going through and you can eat healthy together in restaurants.
Step 3. Give yourself a reward for a mini-goal
The reward shouldn't be eating a dinner like a pig or a chocolate cake! Do something like go shopping and buy some new clothes in a smaller size. That way, you will be even more motivated to succeed.
Step 4. Don't give up
If you still haven't gotten the result you wanted despite your best efforts, that's okay! The important thing is to keep working on it. Some people accomplish their goal faster than others and it is perfectly normal.
Advice
- Don't eat out of boredom or because the food looks especially tasty. Eat only when you are hungry.
- Sometimes you think you're hungry, when you're actually thirsty, so try drinking first (unless you've eaten).
- Your period swells you up, so if you are trying to lose weight when you are on your period, and you feel like you haven't lost weight or even got a little fat, don't worry. It's just water retention. Once the cycle is done, you will be back on track.
- Don't forget that you will love the new you!
- It's all about knowing how to moderate yourself. You don't have to skip dessert all the time. Small portions of your favorite foods will make you feel less of the sacrifice you are making.
- Don't drastically decrease your calorie intake. This would encourage your body to accumulate fat in the long run. This is because a clean cut in the daily intake of calories sends a signal to your body telling it to accumulate more fat in order to survive, because the body will not have enough energy to perform its functions.
- After eating, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. The goal is to have a fresh mouth free of food residues, which would otherwise make you want to eat again.
- When you're about to eat something you shouldn't, ask yourself if it's really worth it before you eat it.
- In fact, strategic snacks can keep your metabolism active between meals, making you burn more fat! Just grab a fruit or handful of nuts for a healthy snack.
- Weigh yourself once a week, in the morning, after going to the bathroom. You should lose about 0.5Kg – 1.5Kg per week.
- You have to take in an adequate amount of calories to keep your metabolism active and at the same time reduce the amount of calories gradually so that the body is forced to use the stored fat to produce the energy you need.
- If you follow the program hard, it will really work.
