Are you trying to lose weight? If so, you know how hard it can be to shed pounds and keep them off. While there are plenty of weight loss programs, products, diets, and other things that promise to help you reach your goals quickly, there are few that actually work without setting you back financially or nutritionally. Here are eight ways to instantly lose weight without spending tons of money on products or setting yourself up for failure.
1) The Right Way to Eat
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. When you’re looking for the best foods to eat to lose weight, focus on whole, nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables. Pair these with quality protein sources such as eggs, grass-fed beef, wild fish or tofu.
To take your weight loss goals a step further without feeling restricted in your choices, track the amount of calories that you consume each day.
2) Count Calories
When it comes to weight loss, it’s all about balance. In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit—you burn more calories than you consume. But that doesn’t mean going without; you just need to ensure that the calories you do eat are healthy ones that work in your favor. The first step is learning how many calories you should consume in a day, and then learning what the best foods for each macronutrient are so that no one food group dominates over another.
3) Use Exercise As Entertainment
It’s time to say goodbye to the overpriced gym and hello to being active in your own house. Stop thinking of exercise as work. Find ways to turn it into something you enjoy like a game, movie, or TV show. Take a walk around the block, go for a jog in the morning, set up an obstacle course in your living room, dance with your kids – whatever you enjoy that gets you moving!
4) Sleep 7-8 Hours A Day
Sleep helps regulate hormones, which affects your metabolism and how hungry you feel. If you’re sleeping for less than 7 hours a night, make sure to take short naps during the day. It will help stimulate your appetite and you’ll feel more energized during the day.
5) Drink Plenty of Water
One trick is to drink enough water. One gallon per day for an average person. Drinking plenty of water will help you stay hydrated and increase your energy level, which can in turn help curb any appetite cravings you might be having. However, it’s important to not drink more than two liters at one time! Gulping down excessive amounts of water can also lead to health issues like electrolyte imbalance or even acute kidney failure.
6) Avoid These Foods
If you are trying to lose weight, try limiting your sugar intake. Sugar has been linked to health problems like diabetes and heart disease, as well as an increased risk of obesity. Studies have shown that when we restrict sugar for a few weeks at a time, people feel less hungry and get more energy.
7) Keep Yourself Busy
Even if you’re struggling with weight loss, there are some things you can do that will help keep your mind off food and increase the chances of success. Some of the easiest include taking a walk, practicing mindful eating and journaling your thoughts to stay motivated.
You can also work on building better relationships with family and friends so you have emotional support when hunger strikes. Try reading a book or other entertainment that doesn’t involve food.
8) Don’t Skip Meals
If you don’t eat throughout the day, your body can go into starvation mode and slow down your metabolism. This means that your body will burn fewer calories, resulting in weight gain instead of weight loss. So don’t skip meals!