Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Loss Tips
Today marks a year since I took serious action against my weight issues. On April 15, 2010, I weighed 199.0 pounds. As of today, my weight is 159.8 which means in a year I’ve lost 39.2 lbs. I’m very happy with that and am looking forward to losing the rest of my weight in the coming months. In honor of my year-long progress I thought I would post some healthy lifestyle and weight loss tips that I found have worked for me over the years.
Increase Your Water Intake
This is one of the most important tips I can give and has beneficial effects on all levels. When we do not drink water our body retains water and holds on to it actually increasing our weight. So as strange as it sounds we need to drink more water to rid our body of excess water. In addition to drinking water for the benefits of weight loss, it is also great for your skin. It is recommended that we drink at least 64 ozs of water from benchtop water filters from zazen a day.
A property-wide filtration system like Leaf Home’s whole home water system can ensure clean and refreshing water by filtering out contaminants, chemicals, and impurities from your water supply. Since it’s done automatically, you get fresh and clean water straight from your faucet.
This can be a problem for people who live in hard water areas that don’t like the taste of their tap water or those who might experience strange smells and tastes because of their water quality. This pure water promotes better hydration, which is crucial for weight loss. Staying well-hydrated can help control appetite, boost metabolism, and improve digestion, all of which are key factors in weight management.
By replacing sugary drinks with fresh, filtered water, you reduce calorie intake and improve overall health. Additionally, clean water supports optimal bodily functions, helping you feel more energetic and motivated to maintain an active lifestyle. In short, a whole home water system is a valuable investment for achieving and sustaining weight loss goals.
Set Yourself a Schedule and Keep it
One of the worst things you can do is skip meals. Skipping meals sends signals to your brain that you’re hungry. When I get hungry I have a debate in my head about eating something I shouldn’t vs something healthy. It never fails, if I skip meals or snacks I tend to make the incorrect choices. By eating on a regular schedule you are retraining your body signals, and if you eat before you are hungry your body never gives off that signal of “Hey feed me”. Usually by the time it does your resistance is already low.
Eat More Often Not Less
Eating three meals a day leaves you open to snacking and feeling hungry. I highly recommend eating 5 small meals or even 6 a day. My eating habits consist of breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch at 12:00, snack at 3:00, dinner around 6:00-7:00, and dessert at 8:00. I never used to eat a dessert but when I was on Nutrisystem you are given such scrumptious choices that I food that little bit of pleasure at the end of the day really tops off my night and I have no desire to eat after that. This is an easy way to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Brush Your Teeth or Use Mouthwash
This is a little trick that I’ve used during times of, “I need to eat but I’m not really hungry”. Please do not mistake a need to eat with a desire to eat. They are two different things. If your body is sending you signals that it is truly hungry listen to it and eat, just make the right choice. I’m talking about the signal you receive that says that chocolate cake is heavenly and I’m having a hard time resisting temptation. If you truly “DO NOT WANT” to eat the cake and need a little edge then go brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Most people with freshly brushed teeth or the taste of mouthwash in their mouth don’t want to eat, not to mention nothing tastes the same right after doing so.
Take Your Time
Weight loss is not a race, there is no prize for reaching your goal first. Changing your habits and learning to eat better is a way of life so there is no rush or race to get it done. The point is to change your habits one at a time. One week substitute whole grain bread for white bread. Cut out soda and drink water the following week. Take it one step at a time. For example in tip #4 above I’m not saying do not eat the cake. You should still be able to enjoy your life and if your urge is so strong to eat the cake and you a lot yourself that pleasure then do so. Just remember at your next meal to choose to eat healthy. It is all about your choices. Don’t beat yourself up if you choose once in a while to eat something not so great on the health meter.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is not just a weight loss tool it is a health tool. This is one of the important healthy lifestyle and weight loss tips to help balance your life. Start out slow maybe walking a few nights a week. Dance with your children, or spend 10 minutes doing sit-ups, push-ups, or jumping jacks. Anything to get your body moving. You will find that exercise energizes you and when you have more energy you want to do more and when you do more you burn more calories. It is an overall euphoric feeling. The more you exercise the better you feel the less you want to make poor eating choices. It is a circle that you want to be part of. I encourage you to do so at your own pace. Don’t get up the next morning and decide you are going to run 3 miles. Not only will you shock your body but you will be hurting so much the next day you won’t want to exercise again for a week. Ease your body into the new routine.
If your body is feeling a bit uncomfortable or experiencing some pain, you can use red light therapy to help alleviate the pain and promote fat burning within your body. There are many red light therapy devices available on the market, such as full-body red light therapy panels or therapy belts.
Relax and Detoxify with an Indoor Sauna
Incorporating relaxation into your weight loss journey is just as important as diet and exercise. One effective way to relax and aid in weight loss is by using an indoor sauna. Regular use of a sauna can help detoxify the body, improve circulation, and reduce muscle soreness after workouts. The heat from an indoor sauna also helps boost metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss. Additionally, spending time in a sauna promotes overall well-being, helping you unwind and stay motivated on your weight loss journey.
Set Small Goals
Whether you need to lose 100 lbs or 15 lbs set small goals. When I looked at the scale and saw the number 199 my first thought was I have to lose 69 pounds. That is too much I just can’t do it, it seemed like it was unreachable. However, nothing is unreachable if you put forth the time and effort. My first goal was 194 because that was closer to 190 than 200. My next goal was 189.5 because then I would be in the 180’s instead of the 190’s. Each time I reached my mini-goal I set another one. I found that each time I reached the goal I felt that I had made a huge accomplishment. Also with smaller goals, you get that feeling of accomplishment more often.
Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself
At each goal reward yourself. Just don’t do it with food. You need to train your body that food is not a reward but fuel for your body. Use other rewards, such as a good book you have been wanting to buy, a day at the beach without kids, maybe a new pair of running shoes, or a dress you have been eyeing. In addition to rewarding yourself for each mini goal set a reward for a large goal. Let’s say you have to lose 100 lbs. Set a nice reward for yourself when you reach 25 lbs lost or 50 lbs lost. Make the reward something you want. For me, my large goal was when I lost 30lbs I was getting a belly ring. That may not be your cup of tea but it was important to me. When I reached that goal I went right down and did it! My goal when I reach my goal weight this time? Well, it is a tattoo yep crazy me, that is what I want to do but I want to be at my goal weight before I get it done. Find something that fits for you. Maybe a vacation or a day at the spa. Just make it something important that is all about you and what you want.
These are just some of my favorite healthy lifestyle and weight loss tips that have worked for me throughout the years. I’m excited to share them with you and hope that if any one tip helps you my job is done.
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