Weight loss can be one of the most challenging parts of staying healthy. Anyone who has gone on a diet or tried a new workout routine knows that shedding pounds isn’t as easy as some people make it look. Everyone knows that eating well and working out are the two main steps towards weight loss, but there are many other ways to set yourself up for success. Whether you are hoping to just lose a few pounds or plan on dramatically reducing your weight, here are some lesser known weight loss tips to help you on your journey.
Take Vitamins
Taking vitamins each day is a healthy way to support your weight loss efforts. Vitamin B, calcium and iron can help boost your metabolism, while magnesium has a positive effect on energy levels. You may even want to consider custom protein powders to mix into your smoothies or sports drinks as a part of your breakfast routine or after a workout. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements, which may interfere with your current medications.
Utilize Social Media
Social media can be a great source of inspiration on your weight loss journey. Use it to find fun new recipes to try or follow influencers who share their workout routines. You can also utilize social media to connect with exercise partners or groups in your area, find a personal trainer or read reviews of nutraceutical companies.
Try Mindfulness
Mindfulness is valuable to the weight loss process on multiple levels. First, it can help you be more aware of what you are putting in your mouth. Second, being mindful can help reduce worry and anxiety which, in turn, can help you cut back on stress-based snacking. Try five to ten minutes of meditation each day to boost your mindfulness and decrease tension.
Drink Coffee
Coffee boosts your energy levels, which can help you keep up with your daily exercise routine. It also helps speed up your metabolism and decreases cravings. Just be sure to skip sugary caffeinated drinks with a high calorie count and lots of extras. Try taking your coffee plain or with a small amount of milk.
Ditch the Calorie Counting
Contrary to popular belief, calorie counting shouldn’t be a central focus when trying to lose weight. Rather, the nutritional value of each food should be taken into consideration when planning out meals. Many “diet” foods contain added sugars and aren’t actually all that healthy. Be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and proteins. Avoid highly processed foods and stay away from fast food restaurants when possible. Finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day. This is preferable to sugary drinks, such as soda, which can contain hidden calories.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial when you are trying to lose weight. Being tired can encourage you to overeat because your brain’s reward center is looking for comforting activities. Exhaustion can also have a negative impact on your metabolism, which is the exact opposite of what you want when you are working on shedding pounds.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance when you need it. This might be as simple as finding a local running group to work out with on weekends or ordering healthy food from a local restaurant. You may also want to hire a personal trainer to customize an exercise routine for you. Finally, make sure you share your weight loss goals with loved ones so they can offer their support and help keep you accountable.
