Lose Weight Through Small But Effective Lifestyle Changes

How many times have you given up on your weight loss goal simply because the workout regimen or diet plan seems too daunting?

The way to weight loss doesn’t always need to start on a conventional note. To the weight loss novice, a strict two-meal-a-day diet plan, no snacking between meals, and a sweat-till-you-drop workout regimen do appear formidable and impossible to stick to. More often than not, it proves to be more of discouraging than encouraging. But we’re here to push you a little gentler towards your goal and help you perceive that these small lifestyle changes are what constitute the big first step. Change cannot happen overnight, at least not the kind you want to last. Read on and you will realize that starting small actually goes a long way!

Prioritize Breakfast

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is not an overstatement. A breakfast rich in protein and fiber will keep you fuller for longer and help you resist the urge to binge on unhealthy snacks before lunch. Scrambled eggs with whole grain bread, yogurt with fresh fruit, cereal with whole milk, and oatmeal are some of the healthiest breakfast choices you can opt for.

Water Breaks

Thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger, which is why we tend to feed ourselves when all the body is crying out for is water. So frequent water breaks, whether you are at home or at work, is advised to prevent you from unnecessary snacking between meals. If you want to spice up your bottle of plain ol’ water, try some of your favorite fruit-infused hydration variations! 

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Enjoy Your Meal

If you’re the kind of person who skips the chew-before-swallowing process and just gulps down food, you’re consuming more than you should in one meal. Remember to put your fork down between mouthfuls, taking the time to savor every bite. Experts suggest to chew softer foods 10-12 times and foods like meat, veggies for at least 25-30 times before swallowing. It helps in breaking down food more easily while absorbing all the nutrients and makes you enjoy your meal without overeating.

Healthy Snacking

Not eating between meals is easier said than done, especially if you are a stress eater, we understand that. But there is nothing wrong with healthy and proportionate snacking. It is after all better to (healthily) indulge occasionally rather than binge later on. Simply replace your pre-processed snacks and sugary soda drinks with superfoods like seeds, nuts, yogurt, etc. and hydrate with smoothies or fruity water.

Outdoor Activity

If you’re not a gym goer but you’re looking to warm up to the idea, participating in fun outdoorsy sports with friends on weekend is a good start. Go swimming or get your friends together for a game of futsal or basketball in the weekends or weekday evenings. Make friends with people who are actively involved in sports or fitness activities. This will kick start your fitness habit and motivate you to work out regularly. 

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Beauty Sleep

Lack of proper sleep leads to stress which in turn disrupts the levels of hormones like leptin, ghrelin and cortisol in the human body. Elevated levels of these hormones increase the craving for fast food and unhealthy snacks such as deep fries, burgers, etc. leading to weight gain. Besides, sleep deprivation also leads to the increased risk of other health issues like diabetes and obesity.

These changes are neither drastic nor something you’ve never thought of before! You know most of them but you just never got around to doing it. Folks, it’s time you take actions as knowledge will not get results– it takes commitment, determination, and the willpower to actually reap the benefits. So, go ahead and incorporate these small changes into your lifestyle and let us know about their effectiveness!