There are numerous techniques that can aid weight loss goals. Some of the tips below are purely dietary, involving eating more protein or cutting back on added sugar. Others — such as improving sleep quality or adding a workout routine — are more lifestyle-based. If you implement a handful of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to your weight loss goals.
It is often claimed that drinking water can help with weight loss — and that’s true. Drinking water can boost metabolism by 24–30% over a period of 1–1.5 hours, helping you burn off a few more calories.
One study showed that drinking a half-liter (17 ounces) of water about half an hour before meals helped dieters eat fewer calories and lose 44% more weight, compared to those who didn’t drink the water.
Added sugar is one of the worst ingredients in the modern diet. Most people consume way too much.
Studies show that sugar (and high-fructose corn syrup) consumption is strongly associated with an increased risk of obesity, as well as conditions including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
If you want to lose weight, cut back on added sugar. Just make sure to read labels, because even so-called health foods can be loaded with sugar.
Keep in mind that this applies to sugary drinks, as well. Fruit juice contains a similar amount of sugar as a soft drink like Coke.
Eat whole fruit, but limit or avoid fruit juice altogether.
Eat Less Refined Carbs
Refined carbohydrates include sugar and grains that have been stripped of their fibrous, nutritious parts. These include white bread and pasta.
Studies show that refined carbs can spike blood sugar rapidly, leading to hunger, cravings and increased food intake a few hours later. Eating refined carbs is strongly linked to obesity.
If you’re going to eat carbs, make sure to eat them with their natural fiber.
Do Aerobic Exercise
Doing aerobic exercise (cardio) is an excellent way to burn calories and improve your physical and mental health.
It appears to be particularly effective for losing belly fat, the unhealthy fat that tends to build up around your organs and cause metabolic disease.
Lift Weights
One of the worst side effects of dieting is that it tends to cause muscle loss and metabolic slowdown, often referred to as starvation mode.
The best way to prevent this is to do some sort of resistance exercise such as lifting weights. Weight lifting can help keep your metabolism high and prevent you from losing precious muscle mass.
Of course, it’s important not just to lose fat — you also want to build muscle. Resistance exercise is critical for a toned body.
Eat More Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits have several properties that make them effective for weight loss.
They contain few calories but a lot of fiber. Their high water content gives them low energy density, making them very filling.
Studies show that people who eat vegetables and fruits tend to weigh less.
These foods are also very nutritious, so eating them is important for your health.
Get Restful Sleep
Sleep is highly underrated but may be just as important as eating healthy and exercising.
Studies show that poor sleep is one of the strongest risk factors for obesity, as it’s linked to an 89% increased risk of obesity in children and 55% in adults.
