Exercise and diet are the most common methods of losing weight. For many people though, it’s not enough or it’s not easy to commit to the change. No matter what your fitness goals are, or if you’re looking for weight loss programs in California or Maine, there’s a method that will work for you. It could be one of these 10 offbeat tips that are proven to work.
Eat More
Skipping a meal like breakfast or lunch and making up for it with a gigantic dinner or unhealthy snacks throughout the day will cause you to gain weight, not lose it. This is because your body goes into starvation mode and stores whatever it eats as excess fat. Eat small portions, but eat three meals daily and healthy snacks in between.
Upgrade Favorite Foods
Don’t stop entirely eating your favorite foods. That could backfire, as your cravings for unhealthy food will increase. Instead, upgrade your favorite foods from unhealthy or mediocre to healthy. Swap bleached flour for whole grains. Top pizza with veggies instead of cheese and meat. Eat grilled meats instead of fried. This way, you’ll shave calories from your daily intake.
Sleep More (or Less)
How much you sleep has an impact on your ability to burn excess weight. You should get a consistent six to eight hours of sleep nightly. If you sleep less or more, you’ll find your struggle with weight loss is harder than necessary — and the right amount of sleep is good for your overall health.
Don’t Eat Fast
When hungry, you tend to eat as quickly as possible. However, the faster you eat, the more calories you’ll consume before you’re full. It takes around 15 minutes for your body to signal you’re full. If you eat slowly, you’ll be satisfied with smaller portions.
Drink More Water
Whenever a craving hits and you’ve already had your snack, have a glass of water instead. The water will hydrate you, and if you distract yourself and wait 20 minutes, the craving will have likely vanished.
Designate Eating-Free Zones
If you have to get up and walk to your kitchen table to eat, you’re less likely to snack mindlessly. Make the TV room an eating-free zone, as well as your desk. Eat only in the kitchen or dining room.
Relax
Stressing about work, school and life makes you more likely to gain weight. Thus, stressing about losing weight is counterproductive. Every day, in addition to exercise you should schedule a 15- to 20-minute relaxation break. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Look at What You Eat
Rather than eating from a bag or a box, pour what you eat onto a plate or bowl. That way, you can see the portion you’re eating instead of accidentally consuming the whole bag or box — which is usually more than a healthy serving.
Drink Zero Calories
One of the easiest calorie-laden foods to eliminate from your diet isn’t a food at all — it’s a drink. There are three options that add zero calories to your diet: coffee, water and tea. Cut out the sodas and sugar-heavy juices.
Have Dessert
Once a day, indulge in a small portion high-quality dessert from a fine restaurant or bakery. Freshly made desserts are low in preservatives and are better for you than packaged snack cakes. If you cut out the rest of your dessert-like snacks and look forward to your daily treat, you’ll reduce calories.
Whatever method you choose, speak with your doctor before you begin any new diet or exercise program. Even if the way you lose weight is unusual, the important thing is that it works for you. Commit to a long-term healthy lifestyle and you’ll not only lose weight, you’ll keep it off.
About the Author: Gladys Cope is a contributing blogger and weight loss counselor in San Diego.