Do you find yourself all tuckered out from a long gym session only to be disappointed at seeing your weighing scale hardly tipping down? Take stock of your weight loss regime and get out of the rut with a fool-proof, all-encompassing plan to achieve your fitness goal. Exercising is good for weight loss but it's not everything. A strategic diet plan coupled with healthy lifestyle is the key to shed excessive weight. You don't have to go the whole hog; taking tiny steps, but on a regular basis, will help you adjust to the new routine and lose weight effectively that will be visible on your weighing scale too.
Here Are 15 Easy Diet And Lifestyle Changes That May Help You Lose Weight:
1. Continue Exercising
You don't have to break sweat, but sweat it out in the gym to lose weight gradually. Fitness should be on the top of your mind.
(Also Read: How To Lose Weight: 100 Weight Loss Tips)
Workout is an important part of weight loss regime.
2. Make Weekly Diet Chart
Often times, we want to eat healthy meals but in the absence of the right foods and ingredients, we jump to cooking whatever can be cooked at that time. Plan your week's diet in advance and stock your kitchen with necessary groceries.
3. Control Your Craving
We are not asking you to forego your appetite completely; but you can use discretion while satiating your cravings for your favourite junk and high-fat foods. Make it 'sometimes' instead of 'all the time'.
4. Use A Reward System
Reward yourself with something you desire, like buying a beautiful dress or that new X-Box machine, only after you lose a significant amount of weight in a month's time. Motivation works!
5. Dine Early
We know you've heard it a million times but there's no harm in reminding you yet again. Eating dinner early lets your body digest food properly and give you a good night's sleep.
6. Fix Morning Ritual
Start your day early with a warm glass of lemon water or herb/spice-infused water. This would help fasten your metabolism. Don't break out with caffeine at the break of dawn.
(Also Read: 5 Diet Myths That May Have Been Hindering Your Weight Loss Goals)
You can have lemon water in the form of lemon tea as well
Photo Credit: iStock
7. Get Rid Of Junk Foods
All those packets of chips and processed or instant foods sitting comfortably in your cabinet scream 'fat'. Throw them out before you are tempted to finish them off.
8. Avoid Sugar
Adding artificial sweetness to your meals is a recipe for disaster. Instead, choose healthier options like honey, jaggery and fruits.
9. Chew Slowly
Even if you are eating healthy foods, make it a point to chew them slowly and enjoy all the flavours. Eating fast will only mess with your digestion and you may also end up eating more than your tummy wanted.
10. Water Therapy
Yes, we know that you already know it, but why do you still forget it? Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday if you want to lose weight faster. Fuller stomach will demand lesser food.
11. Go Green
If you are a tea or coffee addict, try replacing a couple of cups of the day with caffeine-free herbal tea, green tea, spiced tea or desi kadha.
12. Watch Your Portion
It is a proven fact that our stomach indicates it is full much later after we are done wiping off our plate. Start controlling your portions gradually and see if you are satiated with what you ate.
(Also Read: 5 Healthy Diet Facts That Anyone Wanting To Lose Weight Must Know)
Eat the amount of food that your stomach wants.
13. Keep Distractions At Bay
If you want to listen to your stomach and want it to warn you when you overeat, you need to keep your senses clear from distractions. Switch off the T.V, mute your phone, shut down the laptop, and enjoy your meal with all your attention.
14. Start Cooking
Believe us, when you'll spend more time in your kitchen, you'll understand and appreciate the bounty of food; and who knows you may be able to fix yourself healthy meals that please your taste buds too.
15. Add Health To Your Plate
Last, but definitely not the least, try filling up your plate with more healthy foods. Pair your sandwich with a side of salad or use fruits and desserts to fill up your dessert bowl.
These simple but powerful diet tips will work a great deal in making you fit and feel fresh and healthy. Take each day as it comes.