Without doubt, before you begin your weight loss journey, you need to be aware that there are specific methods that help the most and those that help the least. When you apply the adequate techniques, you will successfully begin to shed surplus pounds and improve your health and well-being as a result of losing the excessive weight; otherwise, if you go with the fad options, you increase the risk of gaining even more weight and worsening your health. This being said, the focus of this article is to present the safest and most effective ways to lose weight and have a slimmer body.
- Are you unsure about the weight loss methods you want to try out?
- Do you want to put an end to surplus weight?
- Do you want to live a disease-free life?
If the answer to any of the aforementioned questions is a yes, you should definitely check out the list below and learn how to fight off excess weight properly and finally start shedding pounds today!
What Is the Best Way to Lose Weight?
When it comes to weight loss, it is crucial to emphasize that fad diets, i.e. diets that promise quick results and are not scientifically backed up will never give you the desired results. You should instead rely on tested and researched methods only in order to effectively begin shedding pounds and avert weight cycling. You are probably wondering what the latter options are? Do not worry; we have prepared a list with the 6 most efficient ones!
1. Reduce the intake of artificial sugar
As humans, we are hardwired to the preference for sweets and this universal drive has been present for a long period of time. Sugar is known to improve the taste of foods so it is nowadays present in everything from salad dressings and cereals to breads and soups. This results in consuming a much higher amount of sugar on the daily. Statistics shows that Americans eat more than 19 tsp of sugar on a daily basis (the limit for women is 6 and for men 9, according to the American Heart Association) and this is in no way favorable for one’s waistline. Also, excessive sugar has a negative influence on the heart. With this in mind, if you want to begin shedding fat and protect your health, stay away from the following foods:
- Breakfast cereals
- Vitamin water
- Flavored green tea and coffee
- Sports drinks
- Soda drinks and packaged fruit juices
- Low-fat yogurt
- Ketchup
- Frozen pizza
- Salad dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Sugar-free products
- Biscuits and cookies
- Packaged soup
- Dried and canned fruits
- Granola bars
- Pastries, donuts, and cakes
- Bread
- Iced tea
- Churros and bagels
- Spaghetti sauce in bottles
2. Choose effective weight loss pills
According to some claims, various supplement pills, powders, and tablets have the power to enhance your weight loss efforts (balanced diet and regular exercising) through these several mechanisms:
- Decrease the absorption of fat, resulting in consuming fewer calories
- Elevate the burning of fat
- Lower the appetite
Scientific research indicates that these are the 10 most commonly used ingredients in weight loss supplements:
- Raspberry ketones
- Orlistat
- Caffeine
- Hydroxycut
- Green coffee bean extract
- Glucomannan
- Meratrim
- CLA
- Green tea extract
- Bitter orange
3. Exercise the right way
Is your goal to burn extra calories and consequently lose weight? If yes, you need a solid workout routine, without doubt. Research points out that the way to achieve this is with the help of high-intensity interval training which also comes with the “after burn” effect or when the body continues burning calories the next day or while recovering. It is also pivotal to lift some weights because more muscle means that you are burning more calories (1 pound of fat burns 2 calories daily whereas a pound of muscle burns 6). Also remember that your pre- and post-workout nutrition plan plays its role too. Namely, carbohydrates prior to workout are known to elevate the performance and endurance; also, avoiding caffeine an hour or so before exercising can better the caloric burn after the session by 15 percent. The ideal post-workout meal needs to be comprised of 40 percent protein, 40 percent carbs, and 20 percent fat in order to increase the energy levels and blaze a large number of calories.
4. Remember the importance of having support
If you want to lose weight properly and avoid any complications, it is always a good idea to surround yourself with individuals who will motivate and cheer you on; this can be a family member or a friend who will support you on your weight loss journey. Joining a weight loss group is yet another efficient method to pursue your weight goals. In these groups, you will have people with whom you can talk about your desires and struggles because they relate and give you important advice. You can also discuss your weight loss desires with a person who can offer you directions regarding a healthy loss of weight like a:
- Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Life coach
- Therapists
- Hypnotherapists
- Personal trainers
- Obesity medicine specialists
5. Eat adequate amount of protein
Consuming sufficient protein is crucial for people who need or want to shed pounds because this nutrient can encourage the loss of weight in various ways:
- Minimizes the appetite
- Elevates your satiety levels
- Lowers the intake of calories
- Increases the metabolic rate
- Keeps muscle mass safe during the loss of weight
Wondering what are the best weight loss friendly foods abundant in protein? Do not worry, we have prepared a list with 16 such foods! Check it out below:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Artichokes
- Guava
- Peas
- Grass-fed beef
- Ostrich
- Bison
- Pork
- Wild salmon
- Halibut
- Tuna
- Pacific cod
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Eggs
6. Eat only when you are hungry
In the past, it was thought that one should eat every few hours to avert hunger and a slow metabolism. However, this is not the way to go because it can contribute to excessive intake of calories throughout the day and increase the risk of never feeling sated. To prevent this from happening and to start shedding pounds as soon as possible, eat only when you are hungry, but remember not to let yourself remain without quality food for a longer period of time. To resolve this and prevent making poor food decisions, opt for some healthy snacks like the following ones:
- Apple and peanut butter
- Mixed nuts
- Guacamole and red bell pepper
- Dark chocolate and almonds
- Kale chips
Final Thoughts on the Best Way to Lose Weight
Very often, one will not experience positive weight loss results or he/she will be prone to weight cycling due to choosing poor weight loss methods. In order to avoid such complications, it is good to know what the most optimal ways to shed surplus pounds are.
Hence, if you decide to have a slimmer body for the upcoming summer days or because your weight has been causing you health problems, you need to eat the right foods that will encourage a healthy loss of pounds like protein and healthy fat and to introduce a proper workout routine to your daily life, i.e. high-intensity training and weight lifting. Also, it is pivotal to mention that having the right support during your weight loss journey is a must (whether this is a family member or a professional like a nutritionist or a dietitian) and do not forget to stay away from sugary foods that have been linked with weight gain and heart problems.
Reference sites:
- http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/foods-high-in-sugar-to-avoid/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-weight-loss-pills-reviewed
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19955095/exercising-to-lose-weight/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19958123/people-help-you-lose-weight/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/lose-weight-fast#1
- https://www.eatthis.com/best-ever-proteins-for-weight-loss/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/15-common-mistakes-people-make-when-trying-to-lose-weight-a7204076.html
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/15-common-mistakes-people-make-when-trying-to-lose-weight-a7204076.html