At some point in our lives, we all want to lose weight. We also want the weight to magically drop off us with as little effort as possible. However some methods of weight loss are only temporary and, worst-case scenario, can be detrimental to our overall health. So here are a few ways you can shift those pounds while still taking good care of yourself.

Important Side Note: It’s important to make sure that you talk to your doctor first before you try any weight loss tips.

Change Your Diet

We live in a society where unhealthy food is made convenient for a busy life, and it can be oh so tempting to order takeout or have a microwave meal. However, stopping this is detrimental to your weight loss journey. Ensuring you eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help you slim down. Changing up your unhealthy snacks for fruit or nuts can also help. Protein is also important in keeping you healthy, so ensuring these are present is a must.

And lastly, just make sure that you stick to a healthy caloric intake (so no overeating or not eating enough). This might mean that you’ll have to download an app to help you keep track of how many calories you’ve eaten.

Exercise More

Weight loss is caused by a calorie deficit, meaning you need to burn some of your calorie intake to see results. If you can afford to, attending a local gym can really aid you in gaining more exercise, particularly when the weather is bad. If you can’t afford to, there’s a variety of other ways you can work out such as running in the park or even doing workouts at home (specifically try fat-burning cardio exercises).
The suggested amount is to get rid of 500 calories a day. So this could be burning 300 calories at the gym and cutting out that 200 calorie drink at Starbucks that you get every day.

Portion Control

Likewise, changing how much food you have can also affect your weight loss. Opt for using a smaller plate to trick your brain into thinking that you’re eating more than you actually are.

Sleep

Implementing a regular sleep cycle can help with weight loss. Studies have found that those who do not get enough sleep are more likely to gain weight than those who have the recommended amount. Turn off all lights, switch off your phone and allow yourself to rest so your body can look after itself properly. Not only will it help with weight loss, but you will also feel well-rested and better for it.

Sensible Calorie Reductions

Reducing your calorie intake by 500 calories a day can have a drastic effect on the scales. For reference, a Venti Caramel Macchiato with skimmed milk from Starbucks is 200 calories (if you’re ordering a grande – or medium), while a Double Cheeseburger from Mcdonalds is 437 calories (all amounts taken from the company’s websites). By cutting out snacks or even switching your coffee to water, you can see changes in your weight easily.

Drink More Water

Water is essential to life, so while it’s good that you’re hydrating yourself in some form, water will help your body even more. If you don’t like the taste or simply find it boring, then you can shake things up a bit by adding cut-up fruit.

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There you have it. With these 6 tips, you can lose that weight safely and make sure it stays away. Remember, when in doubt, always speak to a healthcare professional who can guide you with your journey.