There are no prizes for guessing that weight loss is the most popular new year resolution. Year after year, we follow the same methods hoping to see results. Yet, despite our good intentions, most of us fail to make it a long-term success. Quite often, this is because these are unrealistic targets or finding quick-fixes for problems requiring long-term lifestyle changes. Crash diets, extreme workouts, and the latest fad diets promise results, yet in the end, leave us frustrated.
The truth is that most weight-loss strategies don’t work long term, and some can even make it worse or cause other harms. But that doesn’t mean trying to shed pounds is futile. Studies show that some approaches are, in fact, effective. You might be missing out on such strategies
5 weight loss strategies you aren’t trying
Losing weight can be quite a tough task, particularly when you have been doing the very same thing for a while and have not been noticing changes. If you are tired of counting calories or generally becoming obsessive about the scale, it might be time that you take a look at some lesser-known (but effective) strategies. Here are five weight loss techniques you're probably not trying:
- Mindful eating
Mindful eating means being fully present with your food. All you have to do is eat slowly, chew every bite thoroughly. Research shows that people who are more mindful of their eating have a tendency to consume fewer calories and make healthier food choices. First, try eating without watching TV, away from distracting you from your food. This habit, cultivated over time, will help digestion and balance in eating. This can lead to healthier food choices, improved digestion, and a greater sense of satisfaction, ultimately contributing to weight loss success.
- Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is not a diet; rather, it is a pattern of eating. This can be done in various ways, with the most common being the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. Intermittent fasting helps to regularize the organism's metabolism and reduce overall calorie intake. Through limitation in hours of eating in a day, the other way that the fasting periods allow the body to utilize the stored fats for energy helps in losing weight. While intermittent fasting isn't for everyone, many find it an effective way of simplifying diet and creating steady, sustainable weight loss.
- Walking after meals
Walking post-meal is one simple yet very strong habit in weight loss. A short, brisk walk post-eating aids in food digestion and keeps your body from saving unnecessary calories in the form of fats. Walking also serves to kick-start your metabolism, helping you to burn more calories throughout your days. It can also help you stabilize your blood sugar, which can translate into less chance of energy crashes and cravings after you eat. So whether it's a ten-minute walk around the colony or a longer walk in the park, it's easy to work into your lifestyle and score some long-term health and weight advantages simultaneously.
- Prioritize sleep
Sleep is not considered as seriously when people are trying to lose weight, yet it can help regulate both hunger and metabolism. Lack of sleep will disturb your hormones which will find you overeating because you have an increased appetite. And, if you are really tired, you are going to be more likely not to have the energy to exercise or pick healthy food. Make some effort to set a sleep schedule and engage in a restful bedtime routine.
- Drinking plenty of water
The majority of people do not drink enough water on a daily basis, which plays a crucial role in weight loss. Water is important not only for digestion and the absorption of nutrients, but it helps control hunger. Many times, how people may feel hungry, they are in reality thirsty. Drinking water before meals will help make you feel full sooner, causing you to avoid the intake of extra calories. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water each day. You may even take a glass of water early in the morning to wake up your metabolism.
So, if you've been having a really tough time sticking to the standard ways to lose weight, these five strategies could provide a new start: mindful eating, intermittent fasting, post-meal walking, sleep priority, and good hydration. If you’re having trouble adding them to your routine and need support, download the RightLife app - a holistic health and wellness platform that helps you achieve your weight goal effortlessly. Here’s how.
The EatRight section of the RightLife app elaborates on key practices in journeying towards better health through hydration, mindful eating, and meal planning.
- Hydration
Hydration is one of the keys to holistic well-being, and RightLife keeps you motivated to stick with your water intake. Customized by individual need, it encourages hydration throughout the day to reach daily targets set for adequate hydration. If you're well-hydrated, you'll be better able to digest your food, ensure your skin stays healthy, and even manage hunger to portions and avoid overeating and excess snacking.
- Mindful eating
Another powerful tool provided through the EatRight section is mindful eating. The app will help you slow it down to really experience your meals, so you know when you're actually hungry and when you have had enough. This practice prevents overeating but also allows you to relate well with your food and enjoy it without feeling guilty or being distracted. The tips and techniques for mindful eating provided with this app can be fit into a daily routine to be adopted towards this habit.
- Meal planning
Meal planning just got easy and effective with EatRight. The meal plans can be personalized to your dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and goals. You need meal planning for balanced and healthy intake; this will get you that one step closer to your ultimate health goal. You'll find easy-to-follow recipes and shopping lists as well, which takes the guesswork out of meal preparation to help you stay consistent with your eating.
With all these tools right inside the RightLife app, you achieve a much healthier you, with better hydration, mindful eating, and smart meal planning. If you want to know more about the must-try weight loss strategies for better results, then join the RightLife app now.
