5 Simple Steps to Follow If You Want To Lose Weight for Good

If you despise the word ‘DIET,’ there’s nothing to worry about …. Because you’re not alone! Well, there’s nothing wrong with the word, but it sucks big time and doesn't work on a long-term basis anyway (most people believe that dieting or restricting your calorie intake is a bad idea).

It’s not surprising that fad diets are red flags that stand in your way of long-term weight loss success. And this is precisely why you need to steer clear of all the 'fast and furious' weight loss tactics and make changes in eating habits that can help you achieve weight loss that is long-term and sustainable.

Losing weight shouldn't be torture - heard about the latest trend of cayenne-pepper cleanse? Do not put yourself through something that first puts you in a struggle and second, doesn't offer good results.

Successful weight loss is about developing the right, healthy habits that slim you down naturally and help you maintain your ideal weight. Remember, your goal should be to get rid of those pounds without starving yourself, feeling miserable, and ditching your social life altogether. This is where these tips will help you.

That’s right. These tricks and ideas can be incorporated into your daily routine along with a fantastic no-equipment workout. If you are able to adopt even three of these five weight loss tips, you would surely be impressed with the results.

Step 1: Don't Let the Hunger Pangs Win

Whether you are following a specific diet or just want to focus on ‘clean eating,’ don't eat just because you are feeling too hungry.

Hunger is one reason why people give up their weight loss plan or diet after a few days. Unfortunately, that's the way your body works. If food intake is reduced, your body will release hunger hormones that trigger an increase in your appetite.

Eventually, you will end up eating more than you usually do. This is where smartly planning your meals can help you stick to your diet and a healthy routine. Plan low carb, high protein meals to feel fuller and satiated.

In case you are at risk or have diabetes already, picking a diet with fewer carbohydrates (pasta, bread, rice, sugary beverages, desserts, and juices) is highly imperative to keep your insulin levels in control. Doing so also helps prevent hunger and keeps you from gaining weight.

To get started, take a look at your pantry and replace all processed carbs with high-protein options like Greek yogurt, berries, eggs, etc. That's an efficient way to control hunger pangs.

Step 2: Focus More on a Plant-Based Diet

While it is essential to keep the individual needs of your body in mind, plant-based foods are something that work for every kind of body type when it comes to healthy weight loss. In fact, plants can be the ultimate foundation that makes up your diet and in return offers you amazing benefits. It's not only excellent for weight loss but also for disease prevention and improving overall health.

When you plan your diet, make sure you add lots of non-starchy veggies and fruits such as kale, cauliflower, cucumbers, broccoli, bok choy, pears, apples, and berries.

Step 3: Do Not Off-Limit Any Kind of Food

Unfortunately, most items are delicious, and that's the main reason why you can't help but crave them every now and then. It's great to identify your food and label them as good and evil. But putting an entire category off limit will only make you miserable when you start craving it.

Now that you have a list of good and bad foods focus more on the good ones 90 percent of the time when making food choices. Leave the ‘evil’ 10 percent for some occasional fun where you get to enjoy the food you like without feeling guilty. Now pair that up with a regular exercise routine and welcome long-term weight loss.

Step 4: Plan Beforehand

With our busy schedules, it's very easy to be tempted by 'grab and go' foods. Usually, these quick fixes contain ingredients that you shouldn't feed your body if you want to lose weight and become healthy.

Planning your meals beforehand is a great way to avoid such situations. Instead of waiting to decide your dinner until you start starving is definitely going to bring a more unhealthy meal to your table.

Plan an entire day's menu beforehand. It's not only easier to manage with a busy schedule, but you will serve a much a healthier dinner on the table and eat when you are actually hungry. If you have to do some cutting and chopping today, go ahead and do it.

Step 5: Spend Your Calories as Wisely as Possible

Two foods might have the same number of calories but don't forget that all calories are not created equal. If you have designed your diet around saturated fats, salt, and sugar, it is effortless to fall victim to consistent high cravings for high-calorie, dense foods with little or no nutritional value. Such foods are also very addictive - no wonder you always think about them whenever you are hungry.

Unhealthy eating habits directly lead to weight gain because you are consuming more calories than what is needed. Set yourself a calorie limit as per your activity level to be able to lose weight. Once you do that, spend those calories wisely by picking foods that are rich in lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

These foods keep you satiated for long, so you don't get cravings. Always focus on your calories and the food category you are picking from them. Calories in fruit cannot be compared to a cupcake - remember that!

Conclusion

Other than these fantastic tips, you know the drill - diet, and exercise. It's always the combination of the two that helps you achieve desirable weight loss results, which is great for your overall health. Strength training - for instance - is an ideal way to bring that body into its perfect shape.