When it comes to losing weight, the concept is simple and straightforward: consume fewer calories and strive to burn more calories. However, it’s easier said than done, and most weight loss diets that promise quick results don’t often live up to your expectations. If you’re looking to shed off a few pounds fast and safely, here are some easy tips to help you out in 2018:
1. Keep a Weekly Food Diary
Studies have indicated that people who follow food diaries reduce their food consumption by up to 15 percent as compared to those who don’t. Another study carried out by a University of North Carolina revealed that people often consume 115 more calories every weekend, usually from fat and alcohol. So, watch out what you take during the weekends too. Try to work out at least once during the weekend and cut down your consumption of sausages, spreads, drinks, condiments, dressings, and snacks.
2. Stick to Water after Breakfast
You can feel free to take a glass of orange juice during breakfast, and after that and throughout the day, stick to water instead of soda or juice. Studies indicate that an average American take in an extra 245 calories every day from soft drinks, which adds up to about 90,000 calories every year. Typically, this equates to 25 extra pounds! Regrettably, despite the high-calorie levels from these sugary drinks, they don’t trigger a sense of fullness that solid foods bring.
3. Eat only when you’re Hungry
Many people often eat out of frustration, boredom, habit, or nervousness. In fact, some of us have forgotten how the physical hunger really feels like. Again, if you hanker for a certain food, it’s most likely a craving and not hunger. Physical hunger is so intense that you can eat anything you lay your hands on, which is a good thing since you can easily munch those not so tasty foods that are rich in natural fiber. Learn how to differentiate craving from hunger and find other healthy ways of expressing love, relieving boredom, and taming stress other than eating.
4. Honor your Body
No one weight loss regimen is a one size fits all. A weight loss program that works for you may not necessarily work for me. The effectiveness of these programs may be affected by heredity, geography, climate, the volume and quality of food you’re taking, and much more. So, don’t take up an advice that doesn’t honor your body. It’s about taking an honest look at who you are and your triggers and tendencies, and begin to build a program that revolves around such factors.
So, stop chasing fad diets and stick with these down to earth tips from people who have gone through the same path and achieved magnificent results. At the end of the day, understand that shedding those extra pounds is never a walk in the park and requires consistency and a little bit of self-discipline.
