For some people, eating healthy and exercising can seem like onerous chores, making it difficult to lose weight. However, there are some simple habits you can develop to help you lose weight without changing your entire lifestyle, and without giving up all the foods you love. You may find you like healthy eating habits and exercise more than you think.
Step 1
Eat breakfast every morning. According to the Mayo Clinic, skipping breakfast causes your body to store more fat, and makes you more likely to overeat later in the day because you are so hungry. Develop a habit of eating breakfast to store less fat and give you energy to be more active throughout the day, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Reduce your portion sizes at each meal by eating slowly. Your stomach sends signals to your brain to let it know when you are full, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Take time to savor your food to give your brain a chance to catch up with your stomach. This will help lower your overall caloric intake, no matter what kind of foods you eat.
Step 3
Make your own food. Processed foods are much higher in fat, sugar and sodium than non-processed foods, according to the BBC website. In other words, the fattening hamburger and fries you eat at the local fast food joint can be much healthier if you cook them at home. You still get to eat the same foods you love, while greatly reducing the amount of cholesterol-laden ingredients and calories you consume.
Step 4
Develop an active lifestyle. You don’t have to spend hours in a gym on the treadmill to get exercise. Practice walking briskly when you go to the mall to shop. Play an energetic game of keep away with your dog or go to the beach and splash around in the waves. Find a club with music you like and go out dancing. Choose activities you really enjoy, and you may not even notice you’re burning calories at the same time.
Tips and Warnings
- Try taking a cooking class to help you get into the habit of preparing interesting and healthy meals. You may find healthy alternatives you like just as much as unhealthy foods.
- Healthy eating and exercise are not just about losing weight. You should try to develop healthier habits to protect your overall health.
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