How many people do you know who want to lose weight? If you’re like most people then the number will be very high – maybe you’re even one of them. It seems that almost everybody wants to drop a few pounds and yet despite the intense obsession with weight loss, no-one seems to have come across a fool-proof formula to do it just yet. That’s probably because we are looking for a one-size-fits-all solution that is both simple and sustainable, and that will work in both the short and long term. Clearly this is not possible, so that means we need to look at the realm of what is actually possible. So here are nine great ways to lose weight that are realistic and for everyone.
1. Decide if this is right for you
Too many people try to lose weight because they believe that being thinner will make them happy. It’s a much better idea to come to terms with the person that you are – if you want to change something about yourself you need to understand why.
2. Set a realistic target
There is literally no point in going into dieting with the idea that you’re going to lose two stone in a month – it’s just not possible. What’s worse is that if you set an unrealistic goal, you’ll see it as a very negative thing when you don’t achieve it. Set a target that is reasonable and achievable – this is the way forward for weight loss.
3. Eat a few small meals
Instead of being in the habit of having three large meals a day (and inevitably snacking in between your meals) try out having five or six small meals every day. Eating smaller meals helps you increase your metabolism and can also help you break away from the cycle of gorging on treats when you get really hungry.
4. Drink water and stay away from sugary drinks
Water is your friend. You should drink a lot of water every day and try to avoid sugar drinks as much as you can. Water can fill you up when you begin to feel a little hungry and it is also a completely healthy drink as it has no calorific content.
5. Get plenty of exercise
It’s no surprise to learn that exercise is very important if you want to lose weight. It doesn’t need to be anything major, as long as you’re getting active that will be very good for your body. Combine it with a good diet and you will be well on your way to sustainable weight loss.
6. Eat at home
It can be very tempting to eat out partly because it is simple and easy, but also because the food is very tasty. But of course it is packed with fats and sugar and other bad things for you, so it’s a good idea to eat at home and ensure you always do this.
7. Get plenty of sleep
Sleeping well is a very important aspect of losing weight. It’s well known that having an irregular sleeping pattern is a big problem if you’re trying to shed the pounds.
8. Stay away from fad diets
Fad diets are the scourge of the serious dieter. They are called fads for a reason and it’s a much better idea to follow tried and tested techniques such as eating healthily and getting plenty of exercise.
9. Give yourself a break and accept reality
Losing weight is hard and you can’t be too tough on yourself or it’ll just cause you more problems.