Being overweight can happen to anyone.
There are so many reasons why people find themselves in less than optimal fitness, and it is more than manageable when you take the decision to make a positive change for your health.
Healthy weight loss depends on authentic engagement.
There is no point in going down the fad diet route, quick fix route because healthy management demands commitment and sustainability.
Here are 9 tips for healthy weight loss that can help anyone.
1. Be Honest with Yourself
One of the hardest things to do during any weight loss journey is to sit down with your own thoughts and really dive into things.
Why are you overweight? How did you get to this stage? How far does your weight loss journey need to take you?
If you can answer these questions honestly, then you stand a better chance of creating a lasting impact with your journey.
2. Look at Your Diet
Diet is also a challenge to overcome.
Everyone knows that a balanced diet is best for maintaining a healthy weight, but what about losing the excess?
The answer depends on your personal circumstances.
For some people, it could be a simple question of changing what you eat as opposed to how much you eat.
For others, it might be just making a few tweaks here and there to develop healthier, more impactful habits.
3. Consider a Weight Loss Supplement
Weight loss supplements are often met with a lot of rightfully placed criticism and cynicism. There are hundreds of scam products out there, so it makes sense to be cautious.
If you are going to use a supplement to boost your weight loss journey, search for credibility and reputation above all else.
A lesser-known product with a lack of online reviews claiming 100% success rates immediately is far less likely to yield the results you’re after.
However, there are legitimate options too, as shown through EURASC’s view on a popular weight-loss supplement here.
So, there is some value in exploring these avenues, as long as you move with a legitimate brand.
4. Talk to Your Doctor
If nothing is working for you, it’s always good to go and seek some professional input.
Your doctor will be able to rule out any medical conditions like thyroid problems that could be interfering with your weight loss journey.
They will also be able to point you in the right direction for your age and health profile.
5. Find Support from Family and Friends
Tell people what you are doing, and it widens the circle of both accountability and support.
It is hard to lose weight by yourself because motivation is often the biggest deterring factor.
It is mentally grueling, so it makes sense to tag in your nearest and dearest for a little moral support.
Your partner, for example, could come along for the ride and do it with you so the whole thing becomes a joint experience.
It’s always easier when you have someone to lean on.
6. Increase Your Water Intake
Water is extremely important to any weight loss journey. Not only does it serve to curb snack cravings, but it also helps general health as well.
There are absolutely no calories in a big glass of water, and there are multiple benefits to staying hydrated, such as more effective workouts and increased energy levels, which all counteract negative eating habits.
7. Incorporate Strength Training into Your Routine
While cardio exercises like running and cycling are great for burning calories, incorporating strength training into your routine can help build muscle mass and increase your metabolism.
This means that you’ll continue to burn calories even after your workout is over.
Consider incorporating weight lifting or bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats into your routine a few times a week to help accelerate your weight loss journey.
8. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a practice that involves paying attention to the food you’re eating and the sensations you’re experiencing while eating.
This can help you avoid overeating and make healthier food choices.
To practice mindful eating, try eating without distractions like your phone or TV, and focus on the texture, flavor, and aroma of your food.
Take your time eating and listen to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness.
9. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for weight loss because it helps regulate hormones that control hunger and metabolism.
When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to experience cravings for high-calorie foods and feel less motivated to exercise.
Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and establish a consistent sleep schedule to help improve the quality of your sleep.
Healthy weight loss is a commitment. You will have to make some real changes to your habits and routines, which can be difficult in the beginning.
Once you start to see the effects and feel the impact of your new decisions, the whole thing will become a lot easier.
Find support in those closest to you and stay motivated by growing your resilience.
