Great Tips for Weight Loss

In this day and age, it seems like everyone wants to lose weight for one reason or another. There are a plethora of weight loss pills and supplements on the market for that very purpose! Much more invasive ways of losing weight, such as bariatric surgery, are also becoming more popular. However, not everyone can afford weight loss pills and supplements -- and very few people can afford weight loss surgery or liposuction. So it's best for your body (and your wallet) if you first try to lose weight the natural way -- through proper nutrition and adequate exercise. Remember: before starting any new supplements, diets, or exercise plans, always check with your doctor. After you have your doctor's ok and his/her advice, try some of the tips in this blog and see if they help you.

One of the most overlooked -- and very important -- ways to help lose weight is to drink plenty of water. Not only is water vitally important to help keep your body running smoothly and in a state of homeostasis, it will help "flush out the fat," so to speak. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from the body, and also helps keep you feeling "full." Water helps keep the skin looking glowy and feeling smooth. Also, it's very important to keep hydrated -- especially after exercise, or being outside on a hot day. When a person feels thirsty, he/she is by that point, already a little dehydrated. A good habit to form is to keep a container of water with you at all times and drink throughout the day. That way you will not be thirsty and you will be helping your body flush out toxins and fat.

Everyone knows that eating healthy is essential in the weight loss process. But what constitutes eating healthy? Everyone has individual nutrition needs, so it is best to consult with a nutritionist on your body's specific needs -- and a nutritionist can help customize a diet plan just for you. However, some good guidelines for eating healthy are things such as: eat around 5-6 small, healthy meals per day instead of 3 big meals -- this will help keep you feeling full and satisfied and also helps you burn more calories by prompting your metabolism to speed up. Eat a good balance of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables -- this will make sure you get adequate nutrition and will help to keep your blood glucose levels steady. Keeping blood glucose levels steady is very important, as low blood sugar levels will make a person feel very hungry and irritable. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber, which will also keep you feeling full and satisfied, and keeps the bowels regular -- which in turn helps fight bloating and also help flush out your system. Another thing to remember is it's ok to have treats every now and then -- just in moderation. If you want some ice cream, a cheeseburger, or a piece of pizza, go for it -- just remember to not overdo it (eat small amounts) and to not eat those high fat foods often. Indulging yourself every once in a while is healthy -- and it's something to look forward to.

Another important thing to do is to get your hormone levels -- especially the thyroid -- checked and treated if there is an imbalance. A dysfunctional, underactive thyroid can cause very sluggish metabolism and lead to weight gain. An excess of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, or too little testosterone -- can do the same thing. It is imperative to treat any hormone imbalances, not only to help you lose weight, but to keep you feeling energetic and not fatigued.



I know you were anticipating this next tip -- exercise. Getting adequate exercise and burning off more calories than you take in is crucial to the weight loss process. If you haven't been exercising regularly, it is important to start small. Do something easy such as taking a 20 minute walk 3-4 times a week and work your way up from there. Do activities that you enjoy so exercising won't seem like a drag. Getting friends or family involved helps too -- it's always more fun to exercise with a friend or family member.

My last tip may (or may not) surprise you -- and that is: sleep. Yes, sleep. Getting enough sleep is extremely important for your overall health. Lack of sleep can lead to health problems and contributes to being stressed out -- and stress can cause the body to keep extra weight. Getting plenty of sleep will also help you feel refreshed and energized, and having enough energy to exercise is key. Strive to get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night and see what a difference it makes in your life. Also, take some time out for yourself to relax and have fun! What's life without some fun?

Again, remember to consult with your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen. Follow the weight loss tips in this blog properly and soon you should see a difference in not just your weight, but your overall health.