If you’re like most people, your weight is on your mind a lot. You may wish you could lose it and keep it off, but it may seem like an impossible challenge. The following are some natural, healthy ways you can lose weight.
1) Start taking a daily supplement of cayenne pepper
2) Drink hot water with lemon every morning before breakfast
3) Change your eating habits to emphasize fruits and vegetables more while limiting processed foods
4) Re-introduce some hearty whole grains into your diet while limiting the number of refined carbohydrates you eat
5) Drink a glass or two of red wine every night before bed
6) Use smaller plates to help reduce portion size
7) Try intermittent fasting by eating normally for five days, then drastically cutting back on calories on the remaining two days. For example, you could eat 1,000 calories each day on Monday through Friday, then 50% of that amount (500 calories) on Saturday and Sunday.
8) Make sure to get enough sleep–people who don’t sleep enough tend to have higher levels of hormones associated with hunger
9) Include more exercise in your daily routine–get up from your desk at work and work up to walking 10,000 steps a day.
10) Use treats in moderation – If you’re craving something sweet after dinner, have a piece of dark chocolate with less than 70% cacao or indulge in a small scoop of your favorite ice cream. Be careful not to overdo it!
11) Consider trying a weight loss program to help you keep track of what you’re eating. These programs are beneficial because they often provide weekly group or individual sessions to help you deal with weight loss obstacles.
12) Drink coffee – Research suggests that caffeine can suppress appetite and speed up metabolism
13) Set realistic goals for yourself – Remember that losing weight is about making changes for the long term, not just trying crash diets or quick fixes. Don’t try to lose more than three pounds per week.
14) Eat foods high in protein – for example, start the day with yogurt topped with slivered almonds or use peanut butter in a sandwich instead of sliced turkey. You can also find high-protein snacks at most grocery stores–look for brands that have less than 6 grams of sugar per serving, with at least 6 grams of protein.
Helen Bradley is a health blogger and the founder of her own blog about fitness. She has been blogging for three years now and loves to share what she learns with others. Helen enjoys reading, cooking, and staying active outdoors.
