In a bid to lose quick kilos, we often resort to fad diets or hacks that may have worked for someone in your vicinity. We agree that the process of losing weight may be a bit harrowing, but that does not mean you start harming your body for instant results. It is important to take steps that are not only well-thought out but also backed by health experts. Take charge of your health and set realistic goals that are sustainable. When it comes to weight-loss everybody has a tip or two to share, but you should not lose sight of your goal and work towards a sustainable weight-loss plan
If you are wondering how to lose weight fast, set a realistic goal that you can achieve in the months to come, without feeling stressed or pressurized. To lose weight in a healthy way, set your sights on losing about 1 kilogram of weight a week; any more and you'll be losing not just your fat but your muscle as well. Don't forget that a healthy diet and plenty of exercise will make you feel less tired and less stressed too.
Follow these simple ten golden mantras to achieve your goals comfortably.
1. Don't cut your kilojoules (calories) dramatically:
If you cut Kilojoules dramatically you'll find yourself in short supply of protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals and all at the expense of your health. Your body needs nutrient-rich and highly oxygenated blood supply and plenty of minerals, as well as other nutrients like fats and proteins to be at its absolute best. Random elimination of major food sources may do more harm than good, make sure you make gradual changes that your body finds time to adapt to.
Random elimination of major food sources may do more harm
2. Have protein in every meal:
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, however having protein at all meal times, accelerates weight loss. It leaves you feeling full for longer and helps lower your total body fat. It also prevents the urge to tuck into something fattening or fried, if you eat in moderation, you would also be able to lose weight faster. Here are some suggestions of protein-rich swaps you can make to your daily diet.
Add quinoa or amaranth instead of rice for lunch and dinner. Add sprouts or bean salad for breakfast. Toss a handful of fresh peas in your salad or soup, with 8 gms of protein per cup. It is a great idea to snack on carrot and bell pepper sticks dipped in a yogurt dip.
With 6 gm of protein per egg and other healthful nutrients such as omega 3 that helps lower cholesterol, make eggs an essential part of the diet. Snacking on nuts and seeds is a great way to get your protein and kick start weight loss. Add almonds, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia and flax seeds to your diet.
(Also Read: Healthy Diet: How Much Protein Is Enough? Celeb Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary Reveals All About Protein)
3. Cut out refined carbohydrates and sugars:
All refined carbohydrates break down in your body to produce sugar. This, in turn, will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Refined carbohydrates and sugar also make you retain water and cause bloating, which is something you especially want to avoid.
(Also Read: 6 Excellent Sources Of Vegetarian Protein for Your Daily Diet)
All refined carbohydrates break down in your body to produce sugar.
4. Say goodbye to processed food:
Read the labels and avoid all additives, MSG, preservatives, artificial colors and anything you can't pronounce. These are foods you want to completely avoid as they are full of sodium and such few nutrients that you might as well be eating the cardboard box.
5. Forgo the fried:
Skip all the deep-fried chips, spring rolls and your favorite junk food. It will seriously undo all your good work. The fats in fried foods are trans-fats. They increase inflammation and free radical damage.
(Also Read: 3 High-Protein Indian Dinner Recipes You Can Try At Home Without A Drop Of Oil)
6. Move your body:
Try any exercise you enjoy such as dancing, yoga, pilates, cycling or a brisk walk. Exercise at least 4 times a week, to boost effects of a healthy diet, with added benefits of the feel-good endorphins.
(Also Read: Weight Loss: This Bhindi Soup May Amp Up Your Weight Loss Diet)
Try any exercise you enjoy such as dancing, yoga, pilates, cycling or a brisk walk.
7. Sleep well:
Sleep replenishes, rejuvenates, restores. A study in the American journal of clinical nutrition found that when people were starved of sleep, late night snacking increased and they were more likely to crave high-carb foods. Insufficient sleep impacts your hunger and fullness hormones, ghrelin and leptin. Then there is cortisol, the stress hormone, that spikes when you get too little sleep. Thus, it is essential that you schedule at least 7-8 hours of deep restful sleep per night.
Sleep replenishes, rejuvenates, restores
8. Hydrate your body:
Pure water is the most beneficial form of liquid to consume. In winters, we generally miss out. The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism published a study on the thermogenic effect of water, leading to a 30 percent increase in metabolism. Water also acts as a natural appetite suppressant aiding weight loss.
9. Eat early:
Foods eaten earlier in the day generates more energy than food eaten later in the day. Your metabolic rate is actually higher earlier on in the day, which helps you to burn off kilojoules as energy, whereas these same kilojoules consumed at night can be easily stored as fat.
10. Add some pepper:
Red pepper, when eaten early in the day decreases food intake later in the day. Some credit the ingredient capsaicin for being the catalyst for decreasing overall calorie intake and increasing metabolism.
Beginning right now, you have complete control over making healthy lifestyle choices; after all what's better than experiencing the satisfaction of helping yourself achieving your goals.
About the Author:
Shilpa Arora ND is a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach. She has to her credit Doctorate in Natural Medicine. She is currently based in Delhi NCR region, successfully running her Nutrition Studio with individual consultations, offering life style programs supported by the most up-to-date clinical research.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The products linked inline are not suggested by the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.