Losing weight takes commitment and effort. There's no way around it. But there are a number of positive habits you can develop to make it easier. Avoid fad diets that promise a quick fix, and develop a plan that will help you look and feel better for years to come.
Make Lasting Changes
Small changes are easier to sustain, so consider a weight loss approach that incorporates gradual, long-term changes. A healthy rate of weight loss is a pound or two a week. To lose a pound a week, you'll need to burn or cut out 500 calories per day. "Fitness" magazine suggests reducing your daily caloric intake by 250 and burning the other 250 through exercise.
Get Moving
Find some exercise activities you enjoy and do them with friends. Include a variety of activities so you don't get tired of doing the same thing, and remember that it's never to late to develop new skills. Also, look for ways to add more movement to your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, for example, and walk to the store instead of driving.
Drink More Water
Avoid sugary drinks. Reserve soda, sports drinks and sweetened juice for special occasions. This change alone can save you 150 or more calories per day. Rely on water or other sugar-free drinks when you are thirsty. Sometimes when your stomach feels empty, it's really a drink that you need. So try a glass of water before you start snacking.
Eat Mindfully
Plan healthy meals and snacks in advance because you'll then be more likely to eat healthy foods in moderation. Don't skip breakfast, which helps to jump-start your metabolism. Pay attention to what you are eating, eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Then leave the table once you are done. If you sit there longer, you're more likely to continue eating. Don't eat snacks out of large boxes or bags since you could just keep eating without realizing how much you have consumed.
Get Enough Sleep
When you're awake long into the night you start to feel hungry and probably reach for a snack at some point. However, a lack of sleep has a direct link to overeating, Helpguide.org reports, and people who get inadequate sleep have a much higher risk of obesity. This is one more good reason to aim for eight hours of sleep each night.
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