Simple but Useful Steps for Weight Loss

1) Tiny leaps will lead to big changes

Cutting down calories abruptly can have deleterious effect on body and mind. Eating less than usual suddenly will results in mood swing, headache, irritability and even depression. Limiting calorie slowly and gradually will give our body time to adjust and minimizes side effects as well.

2) Replace the refined carb with protein

The biggest culprit in out diet lately has been the foods loaded with refined carbs: most breads, pasta, pizza, muffins, cakes, bagels, breakfast cereal, bottled juices, soda and ice-cream, the list goes on. Ditching those with healthy replacements like chicken, turkey, veal or beans will keep us filled and satisfied for long time and helps us shed some pounds simultaneously.

3) Stay away from bottled juices

Though as labeled rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants the sugar content of the fruit drinks, including natural fruit juices and smoothies, is unacceptably high. The high sugar content will spike the blood sugar level excessively high which will cause a surge of insulin, which will generate fat and increases our waist line. To avoid, try to make your own smoothie with the ingredients you like or just eat real fruits.

4) Drink plenty of water

Enough scientific evidence are there to prove that drinking water boosts our metabolism. In a landmark study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers have found that drinking just 17oz water metabolic rates  jumped by 30% for both men and women. Dehydration is known to cause headaches which sometimes causes stress eating. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day and for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day.

5) Fill up the gaps with healthy snacks

Between our big meals on a given day, there is enough break to spike our hunger up to such a limit that can lead to overeating in lunch or dinner. Fills those gaps with healthy snacks like nuts, greek yogurt, celery with hummus or just a fruit. Always have something around to grab a bite when you feel hungry.

Losing weight is not easy and changes take time. The goal should be creating healthy habits because the effect of those will be lifelong. Remember it’s a journey and if you are on track destination is just on the horizon.