Top 5 Most Effective Weight Loss Strategies

We almost all want to lose weight and be healthy but sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and stick to a plan.  While we begin our journey full of hope and self discipline, that can quickly fade away as time goes on.  Here are five easy strategies to help you stick to your weight loss goal and be healthy.

1. Set small, realistic goals

Often, we set large end goals such as losing 30 pounds.  While this is a great goal, it doesn’t help us work towards our objective every day.  Setting smaller, more realistic goals are important because they can help you stay on track and motivated. These small goals are objectives like working out every day, or to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

2. Get enough sleep

We all know that it’s important to get a full eight hours of sleep, but did you know that sleep could help you lose and keep off weight? While we sleep, our metabolisms work to help burn calories.  When we are sleep deprived, the ghrelin hormone, which controls hunger, tends to increase. This can lead to overeating and increased difficulty with weight loss.

3. Find your motivation

Everyone has a different reason for wanting to get in shape or lose weight.  Find something that motivates you and encourages you even when you’re not feeling like eating healthy or working out.  When you’re feeling discouraged or tired, think about your motivation and find the strength to keep working towards your goal.

4. Make your own lunch

By making your own lunch, as opposed to eating out, you can have more control over what you eat.  Many restaurants serve large portions and are not very healthy. Making healthy lunches every day is a great way to help you eat right and help you save money.

5. Drink a glass of water before you eat more food

Often, our body confuses thirst for hunger.  Try drinking a glass of water and waiting 10 minutes before you eat a snack or have that second helping to see if you are really hungry.  This will help you avoid overeating and help keep you hydrated.