Losing weight might be an intimidating goal, but it can help your health significantly.
Studies have shown that losing weight may help put type 2 diabetes into remission. Per the American Heart Association, being a healthy weight can also decrease your odds of heart disease and stroke.
Here are some tips for healthily losing weight.
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- Start with your nutrition. You are what you eat! If you want to lose weight in a healthy way, look at your diet and see what you can change.
- Include movement and exercise in your routine. Exercise has compounding benefits that uplift your mood and help you get better sleep. It also helps boost your metabolism so that your body can burn more calories.
- Commit to a sustainable lifestyle change.ย This means making changes to your diet and exercise routine that you can maintain in the long term. Instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic changes that may lead to burnout, find a way to make your lifestyle change sustainable.
- For example, instead of completely cutting out your favorite foods, you could try to eat them in moderation or find healthier alternatives.
- Set realistic goals.ย It’s not about how fast you can lose weight; it’s about making sustainable changes. By setting achievable goals, you’re setting yourself up for success and a healthier, happier you.
- To lose 1-2 pounds per week, you generally want to have a calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories daily.
- Drink plenty of water.ย Youโve probably read this before because drinking enough water is so important. Water helps digestion by breaking down food and aiding in nutrient absorption. It helps your body detoxify by flushing out waste products. Water also boosts energy by helping your body maintain its temperature and transport nutrients. It hydrates your skin, keeping it healthy and glowing, and keeps your body temperature normal, which is important for overall health.
- Sometimes, we may mistake our hunger with our bodyโs water needs. Instead of being hungry, we might be thirsty. Next time youโre hungry and itโs not mealtime, reach for a glass of water first.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables.ย Leafy green vegetables have nutrients that fuel your body. You can eat large amounts of vegetables without increasing your calories by too much. For instance, a healthy meal could include a salad with spinach, lettuce, and cucumber, topped with grilled chicken or tofu. Examples of other vegetables you can include in your diet are broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes.
- Include high-fiber foods such as oats, brown rice, beans, and lentils in your diet.
- Cut down on junk and processed foods.ย Junk and processed foods are dense with calories and low on nutrients. Junk food plays a significant role in obesity, which increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.ย
- Choose healthy alternatives, such as nuts, instead of junk food when youโre hungry.
- Skip sugary drinks. Sugar can contain empty calories that get in the way of your weight loss.
- Prepare a meal plan. You can only manage what you monitor! Try following a meal plan to control the amount of calories you eat. This can also help ensure you eat a nutritious diet on a busy schedule.
- Exercise. Exercise helps your body burn calories and build strength. Aerobic exercise and strength training have good benefits, like burning calories and boosting your metabolism.
- Go on a daily walk. Movement is an excellent habit to pick up if you want to be healthy and lose weight. Every bit counts, whether thatโs 10 minutes of walking or taking the stairs.
- Practice mindful eating. Being mindful when you eat helps you avoid overeating. To do this, pay attention to your food, avoid distractions, and stop eating before you are full.
Final Thoughts
Remember, being healthy is a lifestyle choice. It’s not a quick fix, it’s a commitment to yourself and your wellbeing. By making sustainable changes, you’re not just losing weight, you’re gaining a healthier, happier life.
Thatโs why creating a sustainable plan youโll enjoy is essential. If it feels overwhelming, try one step at a time โ like adding a daily walk into your routine or replacing junk food with a healthier alternative. This way, you will be healthier for the years to follow.