Losing weight has become a worldwide phenomenon, what with more people becoming health and weight conscious. In a way this is a good thing. Unfortunately, in the rat race to shed those extra pounds quickly, people forget considering their health and issues related to crash dieting or staving. When going on a weight-loss spree, it is always important to consider all aspects that will ensure you lose weight without compromising on your mental and physical stability. Read on to find out about the top 10 healthy ways to lose weight quickly and effectively.
10. Encourage Friends And Family To Start Eating Healthy Along With You
The best way to lose weight is when you do it in a group. You may have noticed that when you have a friend who agrees to go on a diet and shed those extra pounds with you, the whole weight loss process becomes a whole lot enjoyable and easier. The same applies for eating healthy. When your friends and family also eat healthier, you’re more motivated to stick to your diet and lose weight.
9. Don’t Stock Your Home With Unhealthy Food
Unhealthy food is like a temptress that you can’t get rid of easily. Even if you don’t want to, you’re always thinking about that yummy box of chocolate cookies or salted potato chips lying in the food cabinet. Sooner or later, you’re bound to give in to the temptation and start eating it. This can prove to be very fattening. Not having any such food items in your home can keep you from yielding into any kind of fast food or junk food cravings.
8. Stay Away From Sweetened Beverages and Aerated Drinks
As good as liquids are for your body, artificially sweetened beverages and aerated drinks can prove to be hazardous for your weight. You’re bound to put on heaps of extra pounds if you drink such beverages daily. Therefore, it is extremely crucial that you stay away from all such drinks and opt for healthier alternatives.
7. Drink As Much Water And Natural Fruit Juices As You Can
The consumption of water and natural fruit juices is the best way to lose weight quickly and effectively. Drinking water detoxifies your body, allowing it to absorb healthy nutrients more effectively. It also helps your body organs function more smoothly and prevents the build-up of toxins without your body. You should ideally drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. If you can manage it, drink more. For people who don’t like drinking too much water, you can always substitute it with a fruit juice. However, remember never to add sugar or any artificial sweetener to it.
6. Say No To Starchy Food
Potatoes, rice, bread and pastas are some of the fattiest foods. You should avoid such foods. However, if you really can’t do without them substitute your bread, rice and pastas with whole wheat alternatives and switch your white potatoes with sweet potatoes. Even then, limit your consumption and try not to eat such food items daily.
5. Indulge In “Small Treats” Once In A While
Have you ever wondered why you get yourself vaccinated and what the vaccine does to keep you away from diseases? It incorporates small amounts of bacteria into your body system, urging your blood cells to fight these germs and build up an immunity system. Similarly, giving yourself small treats while attempting to lose weight can help give your body an extra push in the fight against burning those unwanted fats. However, remember the key here is to indulge in such threats ONCE IN A WHILE and keep a check on how much you eat.
4. Reduce Your Lunch And Dinner Portions
There is a very famous saying when it comes to eating habit – “Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a queen and dinner like a beggar.” This refers to the quantity of food you should eat during every meal. Breakfast should be your biggest meal, followed by lunch and dinner. In fact, experts now suggest that you should divide your meals into 6 portions throughout the day rather than 3 big meals. This keeps you from consuming too much during one meal.
3. Don’t Skip Breakfast
After many heated debates and several studies, it has been proven that consuming a healthy breakfast can go a long way in helping you shed those extra pounds. Don’t stuff yourself but have a decent portion of your daily calorie intake during breakfast. Once reason is that since breakfast is the first meal of the day, it provides your body with enough energy to keep you going as well as you have the entire day to burn those calories you’ve consumed in the morning. Include a glass of milk or fruit juice, one egg and lots of fruits in your breakfast menu.
2. Exercise And Be Physically Active
People often live under the misconception that exercising means enrolling in a gym. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course, if you enroll in a good gym, you are provided with better instructions on the types of exercise and lifestyle you should lead to lose weight but you can also exercise at home if going to a gym is not feasible for you. Staying physically active is one of the most important ways to lose weight. This includes going for jogs or walks in the evening, taking the stairs rather than the escalators or elevators, cycling rather than driving to work and running small errands at home.
1. Eat Slowly and Watch What You Eat
Most of the time you tend to overeat because you don’t give your brain enough time to register and send out a signal that your stomach is full. So even when you’ve eaten enough, it takes longer for you to reach the feeling of fullness. Eating slowly and chewing your food ensures you eat enough to keep your stomach full without overeating. Another important thing to remember while trying to lose weight is to watch what you eat. Include a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet along with appropriate quantities of lean meat. Stay away from red meat. Ensure your diet is a low-carb one so that you lose weight faster.