10 tips for successful weight loss: Being overweight can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
“Crash diets” are not a permanent solution, no matter how beneficial their proponents claim. Gradual, lasting, and beneficial lifestyle changes are necessary to lose weight safely and maintain it over time.
1. Eat varied, colorful, and nutritious foods
Healthy meals and snacks should form the basis of the human diet. A simple way is to include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein at each meal. Total fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams per day.
One should aim to eliminate trans fats from the diet and reduce saturated fat intake, which is directly linked to coronary heart disease. Instead, people can consume monounsaturated fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are types of unsaturated fats.
Healthy and nutrient-rich foods include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fish
- Pulses
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains, such as brown rice and oatmeal
Limit eating:
- Foods that contain added oils, butter, and sugars
- Fatty red or processed meats
- Baked goods
- Nutritious processed foods, such as chips or cookies
In some cases, eliminating certain foods from the diet can cause a person to lack essential vitamins and minerals. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can advise a person on how to get enough nutrients while following a weight loss program.
2. Keep a food and weight diary
Self-monitoring is a helpful tool for weight loss success. People can record all the foods they eat each day using a paper diary, mobile app, or dedicated website. They can also measure their progress by recording their weight weekly.
People who can track their success in small increments and identify physical changes are more likely to adhere to a weight loss regimen.
3. Engage in regular physical activity and exercise
Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Increasing the frequency of physical activity in a disciplined and purposeful way is often key to successful weight loss.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity daily activity a week, such as brisk walking.
People who are not normally physically active can gradually increase the amount and intensity of exercise they do. This approach is the most sustainable way to ensure that regular exercise becomes part of their lifestyle.
4. Eliminate liquid calories
It’s possible to consume hundreds of calories per day by drinking soda, tea, juice, or alcohol. These are called “empty calories” because they provide no nutritional benefit.
5. Measure food intake and control portions
An excess of any food, especially those that are calorie-dense, can lead to weight gain.
6. Eat mindfully
Mindful eating means that a person is fully aware of why, how, when, where, and what they are eating.
7. Stimulus and cue control
Many social and environmental cues can encourage unnecessary eating.
8. Plan in advance
Storing nutritious food for structured meal plans will result in more significant weight loss.
9. Get social support
Enlisting the support of loved ones is an integral part of a successful weight loss journey.
10. Stay positive
Weight loss is a gradual process, and people may feel discouraged if their weight does not decrease at the expected rate.
Some days it will be more challenging to follow a weight loss or maintenance program than others. A successful weight loss program requires patience and not giving up when self-change seems too difficult.
FAQs On 10 tips for successful weight loss
Q What are some effective tips for weight loss?
A. Some effective tips include eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding sugary drinks.
Q How important is exercise in weight loss?
A. Exercise plays a crucial role in burning calories, boosting metabolism, and improving overall fitness.
Q Can I lose weight without dieting?
A. Yes, by focusing on portion control, healthy eating habits, and staying active, you can lose weight without strict dieting.