If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re in luck: I know a few weight loss hacks that can help, and most of them aren’t quite mainstream yet. Some you may already know, but some may come as a complete surprise. Which of these weight loss hacks can you add to your routine to help you shed pounds and inches for good? Let’s find out…
According to research by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, people who drink diet soda are actually more likely to GAIN weight, than dieters who don’t drink soda at all. Diet soda is marketed as a smart choice for dieters, but it’s been proven to sabotage your diet, which makes you diet longer, which means you buy more diet soda… it’s a vicious circle! That’s why this tip is the top of my list of weight loss hacks. Avoid diet soda as much as you avoid regular soda, and you’re much more likely to lose weight.
It’s seems counter-intuitive, that eating more often would help you lose weight, but it’s true for two reasons. First, if you’re eating smaller meals more often, you won’t be hungry, which means you won’t be as tempted to binge on less-than-healthy foods or to stuff yourself at your next meal. Second, eating more often keeps your metabolism chugging away in high gear, which means your body will burn more calories more efficiently, even when you’re at rest.
This is what makes the “no carb” diets so ridiculous: fiber is a carb, and fiber is also a dieter’s best friend. That’s why this weight loss hack is kind of a secret. But getting your recommended fill-up of fiber (about 25 grams per day) will help you lose weight, because it will keep you feeling fuller, longer, and it will keep your digestive system working properly. No carbs… ha! That’s so silly!
Here’s a good rule of thumb: the more colorful your meal, the healthier it probably is. A colorful meal is healthy, since it’s probably loaded with rainbow-hues of fruits and veggies, from bold red tomatoes to deep purple eggplants and leafy greens in between.
If you have a tendency to overeat, try this simple but effective weight loss hack: eat off smaller plates. I’m serious! This will trick your brain and tummy into thinking your portions are bigger, even if they’re actually smaller than the ones you’ve eaten on your larger plates.
Did you know it takes your body about ten minutes to register the fact that you’re full? That’s why you ought to eat slowly, savoring each bite, putting your fork down between bites while you chew. Eating slowly and taking small breaks between bites gives your brain time to realize your body is full.
One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is… hunger! So often, when you’re feeling peckish, you might actually be thirsty, not hungry. So before you grab a snack (even a healthy snack!), try sipping a little water first, to see if that satisfies you. Keeping well-hydrated can help with weight loss, too, by keeping your digestive system functioning properly.
A girl can’t lose weight by dieting alone. Well, she COULD, but then she’d be the skinniest flabby girl ever, and who wants that? Adding a workout plan to your healthy diet plan will help you lose weight faster, and keep it off. Don’t be the skinny flabby girl; be the toned, fit girl!
Successful, permanent weight loss isn’t about losing ten pounds for bikini season, then putting it back on, then taking it off, then putting it back on… it’s about making healthy lifestyle choices, long term, to get, and stay, fit and healthy and happy! Adopt a set of healthy diet and workout habits, and keep them, and you’ll find you’ll never have to battle the bulge again.
What a marvelous list! None of these ideas are altogether new, but they’re almost shocking, aren’t they? Especially about the carbs (fiber!) and eating more often! Which of these weight loss hacks surprised you, and which did you already know? Do you have any other diet secrets to share?