Meeting your weight loss goals is a huge source of pride and pleasure, especially considering what hard work it is sometimes. However, it can also be stressful if you don’t get the results you’re looking for right away. It’s hard to stick to a long term plan when there’s temptation everywhere. The truth is, the secret to long-term weight loss can’t be found in fad diets or quick fixes, it’s all in developing healthy habits. Here are five tips for successful weight loss that can help you meet your goals.
1. Don’t eliminate foods entirely.
One of the biggest mistakes that dieters make is eliminating food completely from their diets. They think if they just cut out sugar, eliminate all carbs and decline drinks with dinner than they will be fine. Instead, when these dieters finally have a chance to eat the foods they love, they end up overeating.
Instead of eliminating foods, eat them in moderation. Instead of indulging in a whole box of cookies, eat just a few. You can also look for healthy, low-calorie alternatives to your favorite foods. Here are a few weight loss smoothie recipes to get started with sweet cool treats!
2. Weigh your food.
Portions are incredibly confusing. What does 30 grams of cream cheese look like? How are you supposed to measure out a quarter cup of cereal? You can certainly try to estimate your portions if you are trying to eat better, but it’s much easier to weigh your food. Pick up a small scale (they usually cost about $15) and start pouring our reliable portions. If you can learn portion control, you can build long-term healthy eating habits.
3. Set small goals for yourself.
Many people set long-term goals for weight loss. They want to lose 20 pounds before a wedding or drop three dress sizes in six months. While long-term goals are important to give you drive, short-term goals can also help you stay focused when the cravings call.
Consider breaking your long-term goal into small chunks, like losing three pounds a month over seven months. You can also create rewards for yourself on a micro-level. After you lose 10 pounds, treat yourself to a cute dress or new jeggings to show off how great you look. These positive rewards will help you along the way.
4. Find an exercise program you love.
Working out is a major part of weight loss. Not only will you look better if you work out regularly, you’ll have more energy and feel stronger as well. However, you won’t achieve these gains you want if you never go to the gym.
If a gym workout isn’t for you, look for alternative options. Join a Zumba class where you can meet friends and dance or join a sunrise yoga club. When you do something you love, you are less likely to quit.
5. Drink more water.
If you are looking for a low-risk weight loss tip it’s simple: drink more water. It has no calories and has countless benefits to your health, skin and hair. You don’t have to replace all of your other drinks with water, but try to drink it first. For example, drink a glass of water with dinner before you pour a glass of wine. You can still enjoy the wine, but you are more likely to enjoy only one glass instead of two or three.
Also, remember to drink water even if it isn’t hot outside. Just because the weather is cool doesn’t mean you aren’t getting dehydrated.
There is a lot of misinformation on the web about weight loss. Don’t listen to people who are trying to make money or promising results that are too good to be true. Trust yourself and make a plan. This will lead to success.
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