Five weight loss tips that work (and some that don't)
Deciding to lose weight and getting into shape is always a good idea. But there's just too much talk about weight loss. And, not every piece of weight loss advice is good advice. Some of these commonly-held 'beliefs' need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Here are weight loss tips that actually work, and some others that don't.
Firstly, the worst weight-loss tip: All calories are same
Many people believe that the same number of calories derived from any kind of food would affect the body similarly. But calories (and our health) don't work in such a manner. For instance, consuming 500 calories from junk food and the same from home-cooked food are not the same, since the junk food is devoid of nutrition values and doesn't provide any energy.
The worst: Go for "sugar-free" packaged food
If a certain food item is naturally free from sugar, then of course it is healthy for you. But it doesn't necessarily stand true for packaged products marketed as "sugar-free." This label implies that the product in question has been infused with artificial sweeteners to bring the sweet effect, which can actually do more harm than a moderate amount of natural sugars.
The worst: It's all about exercise
Remember how they say abs are made in the kitchen. Well, that's actually true! Exercise only acts as a catalyst to your weight loss journey, and the major onus is on your nutrition. If you keep sweating it out, without focusing on what you're eating, you may not see desirable results. However, this doesn't mean you should discard exercise/workout altogether.
The worst: Skip meals or starve yourself
Skipping meals or starving, in order to lose weight is a disastrous thing to do, as it ultimately slows down your metabolism, and may even lead to unexpected hunger pangs, thereby inducing overeating later on.
Now, weight loss tips that actually work: Eat healthy
Yes, it's the same-old story, but it never really gets outdated. To start your weight loss journey, first of all, say goodbye to junk and fast food, and start eating home-cooked food more often. Aim for a balanced diet, filled with nutrients such as protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Go for 3-4 filling meals through the day, coupled with (healthy) snack breaks.
The best: Switch to healthier sugar alternatives
Table sugar is loaded with calories but devoid of any nutritional value. Hence, consuming too much of it might lead to unwanted weight gain. Thus, it is advisable to switch to healthier alternatives to sugar (and no, we're of course not talking about sugar-free products). Some of the best, healthy sugar alternatives are jaggery, honey, rock sugar, date sugar, and coconut sugar.
The best: Eat mindfully
Watching your favorite show while having a nice meal might seem like a great idea, but not so much for your health. Research suggests that your eating-environment plays a huge role in determining your attention to food. Being distracted while eating prevents you from knowing when you are full, thus making you prone to overeating, and ruining your weight-loss goals.
The best: Stay hydrated; Replace unhealthy snacking
Hydration: Get your daily quota of 8-12 glasses of water for regulated metabolism, which is crucial for burning undesired fat. Sufficient water intake also helps in flushing out body toxins, thus promoting weight loss. Snacking: Replace those packs of potato chips, double-cheese burgers, and fizzy drinks with healthy options- fruits, nuts, and juices, if you wish to lose weight. Stay healthy!
