We all know it, and the struggle is real: losing weight is difficult, and keeping it off is even more challenging. But the experts say it all has something to do with our lifestyles, and the sooner we change it, the better. For instance, are you someone who likes sweets or chips (or any other junk food, for that matter)? If you do, it may be time to make a change and eliminate those from your diet. Yes, you can occasionally indulge yourself – but don’t make it a habit.
It’s the same with not getting enough sleep – lack of sleep also affects our metabolism, making it slower. And when you don’t get enough sleep, you tend to crave junk food! It’s a vicious cycle indeed. Yes, you can go for treatments such as Aqualyx fat-dissolving treatment, but it’s better to do it after you’ve lost weight. So what can you do if you want to lose weight and keep it off for good? Here are four simple and effective ways.
- Reduce your intake of calories
This may be easier said than done, but if others can do it, so can you. One significant step to losing weight is decreasing your intake of calories. When you consume fewer calories than is burnt by your body, you can create a calorie deficit – and this leads to weight loss. Just make sure you’re still getting all the nutrients your body requires. To begin with, why don’t you keep track of the calories you consume daily? Make use of a food diary or smartphone app to record your snacks and meals. Once you know the number of calories you’ve consumed, look for ways to cut back on it. For instance, you might want to go for lower-calorie versions of the foods you love, and you may want to replace high-calorie goodies with fruits and veggies.
- Be more active
Another significant step to losing weight is increasing your physical activity – in other words, be more active! When you exercise, you will automatically build muscle and burn calories. And there are many ways to be more active. You can start by walking briskly every morning or evening or doing simple exercises at home. As you get more at ease and comfortable being active, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
- Consume more protein
Any nutritionist will tell you that protein is one of the essential nutrients for effective weight loss. Protein helps you feel satisfied and full for longer, reducing your appetite and preventing overeating. It also helps you build – and maintain – muscle, which boosts your metabolism further and helps you burn even more calories. To consume more protein, include a protein source with every meal – such as poultry, lean meat, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
- Hydrate!
Drinking plenty of liquids – especially water – is another simple yet effective way to lose weight. Water leaves you feeling full and satisfied, thus reducing your appetite and saving you from the munchies! It can also help you stay hydrated, which is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and here’s a tip: try drinking a glass of water before every meal to help you feel satisfied, even before you eat.