Weight loss is hard right? Well, in a way, yes. But really it shouldn’t be, at least with a little planning, and a lot of smart decisions.
As humans, we tend to know what constitutes a smart decision, and a decision that leaves a lot to be desired. When it comes to weight loss, we seem to get stuck on making “less than ideal decisions.” So where does that leave us? Well, you could keep doing what you always do, and get the results you always do. Or, you can institute some smart decisions- choices that will improve your life for the long haul.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Choose to Move More Everyday
Burning calories is the name of the game when it comes to sustainable weight loss, regardless of if you need to lose 1 or 100 pounds. Not a fan of the gym? Not an excuse! I lost my weight working out at home. There are other simple decisions you can make that can have a profound effect on your weight loss efforts.
For example, how about walking a few extra flights of stairs on your way to the office? Maybe you work on the 10th floor, so why not stop off at the 7th and walk the rest? You need to make deliberate decisions if weight loss is your goal. It does not come about by mere chance. Likewise, take a stop a few blocks away from home and walk your way home. The afternoon is likely to be cooler than the morning, so the sun should not be a valid excuse.
Worried about winter? Do some activity at home. An extremely effective exercise that does not require expensive equipment is the step up. Simply remove the cushion out of your sofa and perform as many repetitions as you are comfortable with. Small changes equate to big differences.
2. Go No Soda
Yes, you read correctly: no soda. No regular, and definitely NO DIET. Soda in every form is bad, regardless of what the money hungry manufacturers’ claim. Sure, diet may be free of calories, but that does not mean it is free of adverse effects.
In fact, many of the low sugar alternatives found in diet soda can hasten your development of metabolic syndrome, which is worse than diabetes alone. Water needs to become the main beverage in your weight loss arsenal, but that does not mean it has to be bland. You are free to use coffee, tea, fruit infused water and more; just be sure you keep an eye on the sugar content.
3. Load Your Plate with Veggies
Love broccoli? Great! Then make it the cornerstone of your plate. Who cares how it looks! You won’t in a few weeks when you see your body change dramatically. The rule is to load up on your favorite veggies, as they are typically low calorie, then follow with your protein of choice, and finally a little bit of carbs such as sweet potato or rice.
4. Go to Sleep Sooner
You know the hundreds of benefits of sleep by now, but here’s one you don’t think of often: reducing caloric intake. The later you stay awake, the more likely you are to snack. Unnecessary snacking, more so late at night, can spoil a hard day of work and leave you moody as an extra bonus (ha! Really).
5. Make Meal Prep a Ritual
Fastest way to sabotage a diet plan? Hunger. Yes, when you’re hungry you don’t give two hoots about healthy, provided it fills you up. To compensate, make a decent amount of meals and freeze them in your favorite container. That way, when you need food, it’s just a microwave session away, and your weight loss plan will remain intact.