Losing weight and keeping it off requires knowledge, motivation, support, and — depending on your body, medical history, and specific weight loss goals — a supervised, formal program. These 10 effective weight loss tricks are part of the "knowledge" component. Aim to incorporate as many of them as you can into your journey so that you’re most successful:
Weight Loss Trick #1: Take Before & After Photos
Yes, it can be hard to see yourself in photos looking heavy. However, there’s no easier way to illustrate your progress. The “after” photos are far more fun to capture, and share!
Weight Loss Trick #2: Find Exercises that Work for You
You might like running, so run. You might like hiking, so hike. You might like stationary bikes, so hop on! Find the one that you enjoy and works best for you. Find one that isn’t too much of a chore to do regularly throughout the week. Don’t pick a routine that you don’t like, otherwise, you won’t want to do it and you certainly won’t stick with it for long. Don't buy into the “no pain, no gain” mantra. You can lose weight without hurting yourself.
Weight Loss Trick #3: Set Realistic Goals
Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, literally. Make small goals on your way to the bigger goals. In the end, you’ll have achieved more, more frequently. Building a healthier, happier version of yourself does take time, so be patient.
Weight Loss Trick #4: Identify Your Ideal Weight
If you’re 5′5″ with a certain build, there’s an ideal weight that matches your body type. Find it – and make that your goal. And if you don’t know what that might be, do some research on Body Mass Index or call us here at Herbal Magic. We'd love to help! Call 1-800-852-5401, ext. 0 to speak with Customer Service. Knowing your “finish line” is the first step in completing the race.
Weight Loss Trick #5: Get Some Sleep
To be an efficient fat-burning machine, your body requires at least eight hours of sleep a night. Give your body time to rest itself, both mentally and physically. Sleep is very, very important (not only for mental alertness for the following day). If you feel tired, that’s likely your body’s way of saying “shut your eyes and rest me!” Listen to your body and rest it, so you can work it the next day.
Weight Loss Trick #6: Be Balanced & Have Variety
If you eat the same foods over and over again, you’re going to get bored, unless they’re foods you really, really like. Balance carbs with proteins and fats (the "macronutrients"). If you have more of one macronutrient for one meal, try more of another macronutrient for the next (this is all accounted for in Herbal Magic weight loss programs!).
Weight Loss Trick #7: Consider Fiber
When you start to lose fat, you’re probably going to get constipated periodically…It happens more frequently than we care to admit or share. Fiber is very important to your health regardless of whether you're losing weight or maintaining your current weight. Find some high-fiber food you enjoy, and consume regularly. You can also learn more about the benefits of fiber HERE.
Weight Loss Trick #8: Walk the Walk
You burn calories when you walk. Certainly, you don’t expend as much energy as you do when you run, but you burn energy nonetheless. Consider picking up a good pedometer or Fitbit, or use iPhone's built-in Health app (your step count is found in the Activity section). You can also discover some really cute stores and beautiful scenery when you walk around your neighbourhood — try and discover a new spot!
Weight Loss Trick #9: Don’t Get Discouraged!
One of these nights, you’re going to go out with friends and blow through the whole day's food servings budget. Instead of repeating the overindulgence, just put yourself back on track the next day. You’re allowed to mess up every now and again. Don't sweat it! Just don’t make a habit out of consuming an excessive amount of food too often. Also, don’t get discouraged and continue to binge. As we said, mistakes happen, just get back on track as soon as you can.
Weight Loss Trick #10: Drink Lots of Water
If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will let you know. Always quench a thirst. If you’re not hydrated, your body won’t be working at peak levels. If you’re worried about “water weight,” remember that you’re likely to retain more water when you’re not giving your body enough of it in the first place. Workout sessions help water retention if that is an issue. The number of glasses you should drink varies from person to person, but eight glasses each day is a widely accepted average guideline.
We hope you find these weight loss tricks helpful!
