It probably feels as if you’ve heard a million different things you can do to lose weight and keep it off, but most of them either sound too good to be true or easier said than done.
Sure, you know the basic premises of eating well, balancing your diet and exercise, but, as you’ve likely discovered, there’s so much more to it than that.
If you’re struggling to lose weight you’re in good—make that great—company. Most of us feel your pain and are in the same boat. Perhaps these relatively things you can do to lose weight and keep it off will help.
5 Things You Can Do To Lose Weight and Keep it Off
Attend a weight loss class
Weight loss classes are a great way to stay motivated if you’re having trouble keeping on track. Your peers will encourage you in your efforts and praise you along the way, just as you will for them!
Alternatively, if you have a friend who is also on a fitness journey, why not combine your efforts? According to studies, those who make a lifestyle change with the help of a loved one are more likely to succeed and maintain new weight.
Get plenty of sleep
It comes as a surprise to many when they find sleep is a one of the key ways to lose weight. Because the body requires time to relax and repair, sleep also plays a significant role in weight loss and exercise. You will feel lethargic and uninterested if you don’t get plenty of sleep, so strive for the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night for the best results.
Focus on your problem areas
One of your motives for losing weight may be to feel more secure in your own body, which is just fine! Whether it’s flabby arms, bloated tummy, or chubby ankles, almost everyone has a problem region they’d like to improve. When you exercise, concentrating on your problem areas will help you see results much faster. And when you see the results, what do you do? You’re even more motivated to maintain your new healthy way of life!
Drink more water
Water is a very important part of your health, and to stay hydrated, the typical person needs to drink 2 litres of water each day (more if you exercise). Even if it’s only once a day, switching to water from carbonated drinks, coffee, and other unhealthy beverages will improve your weight loss, fitness, sleep, and even help your skin! You can download free apps that remind you to stay hydrated to maintain a healthy lifestyle, or buy a time stamped water bottle to stay on track.
You can explore fun new exercises that will help target these areas such as hula-hooping for toning your stomach. Or you might even look at the difference between chin ups vs curls to find the best kind of exercises to work your muscles the right way.
Change your food habits by keeping a food diary
Keep a food diary recording the calories consumed in each meal. Make sure you include snacks and non-water drinks in your caloric intake totals at the end of each day and week. You’d be surprised how many calories a little bag of chips can load into your weekly consumption!
After keeping a food diary for awhile, you’ll be able to start creating delicious and nutritious meal plans that fall under your daily calorie limit, allowing you to start losing weight. It’s critical to prepare meals that you’ll enjoy, and to provide lots of variety so you don’t become bored and fall back into old behaviors.
Forget about fad diets and freaky TikTok advice — Here are some classic things you can do to lose weight that will help those pounds stay off.