Want to lose weight but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone! In fact, it’s one of the most common questions I get asked by friends and family, and I’m going to answer it right now in this article. Here are three simple steps you can take right now to lose weight fast—and keep it off in the long run!
Tips #1 - Start Eating Clean
Research has shown that eating clean is a much more effective way of losing weight than any fad diet out there. Eat high-quality whole foods such as lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables). Avoid processed foods and simple sugars which can lead to fat gain. Also eliminate alcohol from your diet – you may think it’s harmless, but recent studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption leads to increased body fat. The key here is moderation! Don’t go overboard or you might end up sabotaging your weight loss efforts!
2 - Get In Shape: You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to lose weight; just get in shape with regular exercise. Start by walking 30 minutes a day and gradually build up from there as you become more fit. Not only will you burn calories, but also increase your metabolism which can help you burn fat faster! Consider getting a personal trainer if you want some advice on what exercises work best for weight loss or sign up for a fitness class at your local gym instead!
Tips #2 - Use Smaller Plates
When you eat off of a smaller plate, you automatically consume less food. Studies show that people tend to fill up their plates and then eat what’s on them (or close to it). However, if you use a smaller plate, research shows that your brain will perceive your meal as being larger and satiating—even though you’re consuming less calories. The key is to use a 10-12 inch dinner plate for meals instead of an 18 or 20 inch one.
Tips #3 - Get Motivated
One of best ways to lose weight fast is by getting yourself motivated. After all, when you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to stick with your program—and stick with it for life. How do you get motivated? Keep a visual reminder of what you’re trying to achieve on your fridge, or in your wallet; take a picture of yourself looking good at a recent awards ceremony or high school reunion. If you want to look better in your favorite pair of jeans, find an old photo and keep that as motivation too. Put up pictures where you will see them every day; seeing how far you’ve come will help keep those resolutions top-of-mind. Just remember not to base how much weight you need to lose just on pounds - many people gain muscle as they tone up, which means they may actually put on weight even if they are losing inches around their waistline. Use total body mass index (BMI) instead - BMI (Body Mass Index) can be used to determine if someone has an unhealthy amount of fat compared with lean muscle tissue. There are online calculators available that will tell you your BMI score based upon height and weight measurements. You may be surprised!