Maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, but it may be one of the best things you can do for your body. Not only does it improve your confidence, but it also supports your daily energy and overall sense of well-being. Here are five tips to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
1. Eat Moderate Portions
Simply reducing the amount of food you consume is one of the biggest keys to losing weight. A scale, special portion control plate, or simple measuring cups can help you ensure you serve yourself the right amounts of each food. Once you have mastered this skill at home, you can more easily estimate proper portions when eating out, to help avoid a calorie excess. Many people find it helpful to support their calorie goals with weight loss supplements such as Orlistat, which help prevent some fats from being digested; this decreases the total number of calories they absorb.
2. Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is one crucial factor contributing to a healthy weight. Research shows that drinking water can boost your metabolism, help you eat fewer calories, and contribute to increased weight loss. Aim to drink between nine and thirteen cups of water per day — more if you’re sweating, living at a high altitude, or exercising. Spread this water out over the course of the day, but aim to drink some before meals as well. Some studies suggest that having a couple of glasses of water before eating will contribute to significantly increased weight loss.
3. Get Active
Leading an active lifestyle can help you burn off excess calories, keep your metabolism up, and improve your health. Weightlifting and cardio exercise such as running are great places to start, but dozens of other activities can contribute to healthy weight loss. Swimming, cycling, walking, playing sports, and even dancing are great ways to elevate your heart rate, challenge your body, and improve your physique.
4. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is a little-known contributor to healthy weight loss — potentially the same level of importance as eating right and getting sufficient exercise. Studies reveal that poor-quality sleep is linked to a 55% increased risk for obesity in adults and an 89% increased risk for obesity in children.
5. Reduce or Eliminate Sugar Intake
Sugar consumption is a major enemy of weight loss. Increased sugar intake is associated with an elevated risk for issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It’s far too easy to overconsume sugar, especially because of the many forms it appears in our foods and its addictive nature. Skip sugar-laden foods such as sweetened drinks, juices, candy, cakes, and the like and consider replacing them with more nutrient-dense alternatives.
The journey towards achieving a healthy weight can be challenging, but the reward of a strong, energetic body and the confidence it brings makes the effort worthwhile. By continually supporting these healthy habits and daily choices, you can bring yourself one step closer to your wellness goals.
