Weight loss is, a lot of the time, a long and hard struggle. Many people end up disappointed and unsatisfied when they step on the scale to see that it has not budged one bit. But contrary to popular belief, losing weight can actually only be half the struggle it seems to be. What I have for you is a list of 10 tips to make weight loss that much easier to accomplish. Once you have finished reading them, don't forget to put them into action!
Concentrate on adding foods more than on subtracting foods.
I know this sounds crazy, since you are supposed to be cutting down on what you eat. But what this means is add foods you don't eat often enough, such as lettuce or tomatoes. This way you fill up on all those healthy, low-calorie foods instead of junk foods that are packed with unwanted calories. If you concentrate on taking the bad foods out of your diet, you will just crave them more than usually, and end up giving in or even binge eating. For something a little bit sweeter try some fruit like cherries or a plum.
Lighten the load.
The more you have on your plate, the more you are bound to eat. So put less on your plate. If you are still hungry after you've eaten what was on the plate, then go back for seconds. If you are dining out, than share your entrée with whoever you are with or ask your waiter to box half of it up before he even brings out the meal. One thing to remember while eating is that the first bite taste exactly like the 10th bite, which tastes just like the 15th bite. So there is no need to overeat, because there is nothing good you will miss out on.
Move around more.
I know a few extra steps don't seem like much but in the long run, it counts more than you think. So today, instead of watching a show on TV, go outside for a 10-30 minute walk. If you find that to be too much of an inconvenience, there are other simpler things you can do to get in a walk. You could park farther away from the door at the grocery store or shopping mall, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off the bus a few stops earlier, or sweep the driveway instead of using a leaf blower. These things are simple, yet can play a big part in losing weight.
Set goals for yourself.
Accomplishing your goals is great motivation, and that is why you need more than just one final weight loss goal. You need to set mini goals for yourself, and each time you accomplish that goal you will feel more motivated to try harder. If your daily jog usually lasts for 20 minutes, make one of your goals to jog for 5 or 10 minutes longer. Or aim to do 5 extra sit ups every second day. Just little things like that can keep you going.
Find a friend.
Losing weight can be lonely, but having a friend to workout with can actually keep you motivated. No one likes to disappoint a friend, and if by skipping a day at the gym would disappoint her than it's the last thing you would want to do. Having a friend to go out to dinner with, that is also trying to lose weight, is a good way to stop feeling left out from all the fattier dishes since you will both be eating lightly.
Drink water, and a lot of it.
Water stops your metabolism from slowing down, and it can also curb cravings. Every time you feel like having a cookie, have a glass of water instead. It can make you feel fuller for longer, and is much healthier than a sugary pop.
Give yourself a small treat everyday.
Don't deprive yourself completely, or you will be more likely to binge eat later. Give yourself half of a cookie per day, or once piece of a chocolate bar. It won't add a lot of extra calories, and it will ensure that you don't go crazy from lack of sweets.
Keep a food journal.
When you have a food journal you write down every morsel of food that enters your mouth. When you go over it later, you will be able to see what you need to improve on. Once you have a few weeks written down you can compare yourself to the earlier weeks, and see the improvements you have been making. It is a great way to keep in control of your eating. Studies found that people who keep food journals end up eating 15% less than those who don't.
Bring the color blue into your life.
As crazy as it sounds, the color blue actually acts as an appetite suppressant. Serve up dinner on blue plates, use a blue table cloth, or dress in blue while you eat. But avoid the colors red, yellow, and orange in your dining areas as they are known to encourage hunger.
Hang a mirror opposite of your seat at the kitchen table.
There was one study that found that eating in front of a mirror slashed the amount that people ate by about one third. Having to look yourself in the eye reflects back some of your inner standards and reminds you of your goals. It sounds a little crazy, but its worth the try.
