10 Ways to Jumpstart Your Weight Loss
10 Ways to Jumpstart Your Weight Loss
Starting the process of losing weight can be difficult for a lot of people. You never know where to begin and simply going to the gym never seems to work. Here are several easy ways to embark on your weight loss journey.
Keep a food journal
In order to be able to critically evaluate your habits and make changes to your diet, you should keep a diary of your food intake. Write down everything you eat and drink, what you were doing while eating and how you felt. No one needs to see this but you, so you can be completely honest – that will help you realise how your eating habits are affected by your emotional state.
Use a pedometer
Another method that can help you find a way to lose weight is by using a pedometer. The device itself will not make you lose the pounds, but analysing the results might help you find the right approach. There are even versions that tell you how many calories you burnt while walking. See what your average is, and try to improve on it.
Have shorter workouts
Research conducted at the University of Copenhagen came to the conclusion that people who worked out for 30 minutes a day lost as much fat as people that were working out for 60 minutes every day. So, there is no need to overdo it. You can do short exercises as long as you do them regularly. All the other activities you do during the day will add up and you will still be burning fat.
Eat fish
Consuming seafood regularly is a healthy practice that can have amazing results in your weight loss battle. However, choosing the right kind is of the essence. Opt for fatty fish that are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can be found in fish such as halibut, oysters, scallops, etc. Many types of fish provide you with great benefits aside from losing weight, just be careful how you prepare them.
Drink green tea
Probably the healthiest drink on the planet, green tea is full of antioxidants and other substances that have many benefits for your well-being. It can increase fat burning and therefore help you lose weight. Green tea contains caffeine, not as much as coffee, but just enough to have an effect on your body. In addition, the antioxidants help boost your metabolism.
Try apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has gained a lot of attention because it is quite effective in boosting your health. It can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar and clear up your skin, among other things. You can take about two tablespoons of apple cider each morning with a glass of water as the taste is quite strong. Another way to use it is by adding it to your salad dressing. Alternatively, if you see that you really do not like the taste, you can go with apple cider vinegar capsules which provide you with the same results.
Watch your iron levels
Iron deficiency can cause you to lose your appetite. While you might think that this is a good thing when it comes to losing weight, it also leaves you feeling fatigued. This can affect your weight loss progress as it makes it harder to burn calories through exercise. Increase your iron levels by eating broccoli, spinach, bok choy and beans. Do not go for supplements unless you’ve been prescribed some by your doctor.
Stay hydrated
Always have a bottle of water near you, whether you are at the office, in your car or in your bed. Staying hydrated can keep your energy and mood levels high. It also keeps hunger at bay and helps you resist cravings.
Reduce your alcohol intake
The liver converts the alcohol you drink into acetate which the body then starts using as fuel instead of your fat stores. Additionally, a glass of wine can contain around 130 calories and a pint of beer 215. So, think about not drinking that second glass of whatever your favourite is.
Rest properly
You need to be aware that losing weight does not come down to just food and exercise. Getting at least eight hours of rest is crucial to resetting the hormones that control your metabolism. Lack of sleep increases the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which leads the body to over-eat and store fat.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways for you to jumpstart your weight loss. Seeing as how these ten ways are just some of them, we are sure you will find your own path and succeed.
