It gets harder to lose weight as we get older. If you are looking to lose weight, you have probably run into similar challenges as other people. There are a few basics that you need to know about losing weight to lose any. You don’t have to starve yourself, but by changing your diet and your lifestyle you will be able to reach your goal weight.
Eat a real breakfast
Quit eating sugary cereals or fast food breakfasts. You need to start adding protein and fat to your morning meals. This may seem counterproductive but eating breakfast every morning can help get your metabolism up and running. Your body needs protein and fats to build muscle. Remember you are looking for good fats, like those found in eggs, not saturated fats like those found in processed foods. Also, if you fill your morning meal with protein and fats, you will stay fuller for longer and be less likely to snack or have to eat a large lunch.
You should be eating more
Again, something that seems like it may be counterproductive, but if you are eating right it will help you. You should be eating three snacks and three meals a day. These should include healthy foods, not things like french fries or any other kind of junk food. For example, a handful of almonds is a great snack or eating chicken and asparagus for a healthy dinner. You should be looking for snacks and meals that will help you to build muscle and not gain fat.
Stop with the starches
I think we can all agree that starches are some of the best tasting food, but it is not really all that good for you. White bread, pasta, and potatoes all make you fat. If you are still eating these products, try switching to whole wheat. If you are still craving potatoes, for example, you can eat sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. They are healthier and have more nutrients than white potatoes.
Start lifting weights
If you want to lose weight, you’re going to have to start going to the gym. It is essential to weight loss. There is no diet, that will actually work, that doesn’t involve some exercise. If you begin to build up your muscles, your body will start to burn calories even after you leave the gym. The more muscle you have the stronger your metabolism is.
Think about what you are eating
One of the biggest parts of losing weight is becoming aware of what you eat. You should be eating what is good for you, and tastes good to you, instead of a box of cookies. When you become aware of how much you eat and what you are eating, you will notice yourself reaching for that bag of carrots instead of the carrot cake. You should also slow down when you eat. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that your stomach is full. If you eat slower, you will be eating less as it gives your body time to communicate.
You can still have fun on a diet
If you choose to ignore your cravings for too long, you will notice that you are miserable. If you are miserable, you will be more likely to fail at your new eating plan. When you do decide to splurge, make sure that you limit it to only once a week, at the most. You can make good choices like ordering a small fry instead of super sizing.
Low carb is good
You will crave your favorite foods the most if you go low carb, but if you can successfully do this, you will see weight loss faster. You will have to eat less food and smaller portions to get to a low carb diet, but if you do this carefully and responsibly, you can see some great results.
Intervals
If you are anything like me, you cringe at this word and get flashbacks of track season, but it is very beneficial to your weight loss. When it comes to running and other forms of cardio, intervals can be the best way to do this. You will be able to alternate between running full speed and easier running like jogging. It is also easier, for some, to do this than to go on long runs. Intervals can also help you to burn more fat and flatten your gut.
Quit drinking soda
Soda is bad for your health in many ways, from your teeth to your skin to your overall wellbeing. Soda adds an unnecessary amount of sugars entering your body, and will only impede on your weight loss journey. When it comes to unhealthy drinks, soda is out, but things like beer and wine can stay. You should only drink these in moderation and switch to a light beer instead.
Do not be afraid of fat
Good fats, unsaturated fats, can help you on your weight loss journey. Your body needs fats to stay healthy. If you completely cut fats out, especially good fats, you will have a harder time losing weight as your body will be struggling. Fat can help you to control your appetite and feel fuller for longer. Remember that there are good fats and bad fats, cut out the bad and keep the good, your body needs it.
Lastly, you should have a clear goal
It makes it really hard to stay on track if you do not have a goal. You need to have a goal weight, workout goals, food goals, and everything in between. You need to make sure that these goals are things that anyone can achieve. If you hold yourself to too high of a standard, you will find yourself failing to reach your goals over and over again. This can be very discouraging and can lead you to give up on your goals all together. Remember to be nice to yourself, these things take time, dedication, and hard work.
