There are countless weight-loss pills on the market that promise you'll be able to burn fat in a hurry. However, most offer minuscule results or could put your health at risk. Thankfully, you can lose weight without even touching weight-loss pills. You just have to be willing to put in the effort to get results.
Altered Food Choices
Changing the foods you eat is one of the best ways to lose weight without taking pills. The culprit stopping you from losing weight is often processed foods like chips, cakes and cookies or freeze-dried options like frozen dinners or canned soups. According to "Reader's Digest," Americans spend about 90-percent of their food money on processed items. By choosing fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean sources of protein, you'll get more nutrition and cut your caloric intake, which is essential for weight loss.
Count Calories
Counting the amount of calories you eat every day can help you to lose weight without pills. According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, proper portion sizes are unknown to most people, meaning many overeat without even realizing it. Likewise, when many people see the "low-fat" labels on foods, they assume that means they can eat as much of them as they want. This just isn't true. You need to count the number of calories you consume on a daily basis, then cut that number by 500 to see weight loss. Keeping a food diary and using an online calorie calculator can help you in this pursuit.
Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly is another way to lose weight without pills. Exercise burns calories and helps you lose weight at a steady pace. Any activity that results in an elevated heart rate works, like jogging, power walking, swimming or aerobics. You need at least 30 minutes of activity five times a week to stay healthy, but you should work out for 60 to 90 minutes to shed pounds at a consistent pace. You should also incorporate strength training into your routine for 20 minutes, twice a week.
Hypnotherapy
To steer clear of weight-loss pills, you may also wish to try alternative methods like hypnotherapy. According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, hypnotherapy can change your outlook and make sticking to a diet or exercise regimen easier. Discuss alternative therapies like hypnotherapy with your doctor before scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work?
- MayoClinic.com: Counting Calories: Get Back to Weight-Loss Basics
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity Guidelines
- "Reader's Digest": 4 Most Harmful Ingredients in Packaged Foods
- Merck Manual Home Edition: Mind-Body Techniques
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