Unfortunately, it's impossible to simply wake up the next
morning and be down five pant sizes. However, with a few simple tips losing weight quickly is
a reality-no matter the size. Remember: when it comes to losing weight, dedication is key. No, you won't
be seeing 60lbs in a month. But with these strategies and a whole lot of motivation, you'll be
losing weight in no time!
1. Eat Regular, Balanced and Short Meals
Sometimes, we just have to say no to the extra cheesy,
extra fattening casserole and say yes to a nice, healthy salad. However, eating healthy doesn't mean
starving yourself or avoiding the occasional treat. My Pyramid Plan (choosemyplate.gov) recommends following
a basic guide that has the appropriate amount of grains, protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and
oil for every age. If you want a more individualized approach, some websites may recommend
serving sizes based upon one's BMI, or Body Mass Index calculations. Eating balanced meals regularly
will allow for the metabolism to burn off anything in excess than what the body needs-aka, body
fat.
2. Be Careful About What You Drink
While a soda may sound good with your meal, nothing is
better for your body than a glass of water. The fact of the matter is, no matter how "healthy"
your soda is (Diet, Caffeine Free), additives within the beverage are not good for the body-especially the
long-named ingredients that you need a PhD to pronounce. Dyes and other chemical agents do nothing more
than pollute your body and contribute to fat build up. If drinking water isn't your style, a
healthy alternative to sodas are Vitamin Waters or other flavored health drinks-however, nothing is better for the
body than pure water itself.
3. Eat a Low Calorie Diet
Counting calories is the most popular method of
food-intake dieting. Weight Watchers or Daily Burn are two fitness programs that stress the importance of
monitoring your calorie intake. Your BMI ultimately determines the amount of calories recommended for your
diet, however, if your goal is to lose weight than it would be acceptable to eat two to three hundred
less than that.
4. Workout Daily
Whether you're breaking a sweat at the gym or running up
and down your street, exercise is key to not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mind. For
individuals trying to lose weight, an organized routine of cardio, muscle strengthening, and muscular endurance
is recommended. Remember, even though you are trying to lose weight quickly, over-exercising
does not always mean faster or better results. Excess stress on the body is unhealthy and can actually slow
down weight loss. When it comes to working out, motivation is essential. Keep yourself
working out, and you'll see results in no time.
5. Weight Loss Supplements
If working out and dieting are not enough, weight loss
supplements are always a possibility for anyone seeking to lose weight? Two forms of supplements include
dieting supplements which cause the body to feel fuller, allowing the individual to eat less food,
and fat-burning supplements which do exactly as they're classified-burn excess fat. Remember, supplements
are not an alternative-they're an addition. Weight loss supplements should always be accompanied with
dieting and exercise for best results. Always consult your physician before taking any
medication or supplements to help you lose weight.
6. Get Adequate Sleep
After a long hard day of working out and dieting, it's
comforting to lay down and allow one's muscles and mind to relax as you sleep. Getting adequate amounts
of sleep will not only rejuvenate the body with renewed energy to continue your regime but will also
allow the body's metabolism to refresh itself. WebMD recommends 6-8 hours of sleep per night for most
adults. While getting more than this amount may sound relaxing, oversleeping can cause the body
grogginess and can actually inhibit the energy within the body. Try to avoid under sleeping as well, as
the body will not have enough time to replenish resources with less than the recommended time.
7. Check Hormones
A hormonal imbalance will not only inhibit weight loss
but can actually cause a weight gain. The most common hormonal imbalances are increased estrogen,
decreased testosterone, low DHEA, and insulin imbalances. This means that, for women, losing weight
while menstruating is more difficult. Consult your physician if you believe you have a hormonal
imbalance that would inhibit weight loss. It's more important to fix any issue with the body before tackling
weight loss.
8. Measure Your Weight Regularly
As cliche as it may sound, stepping on the scale daily is
important when tackling weight loss. As a form of motivation, checking your numbers every day has been
known to provide inspiration; noticing even half of a pound in decrease is progress! For anyone seriously
trying to lose weight fast, it isn't farfetched to check your weight more than just once a day. Whether it
be every morning, every night, after a workout, or after every meal, stepping on the scale is
definitely important.
9. Go to a Sauna
There's nothing better than relaxing in a sauna after a
long, hard work out. However, did you know that spending time in a sauna actually helps to detoxify the
body? Sweating in general helps the body to release excess moisture, salt, and waste through the
skin. Most gyms contain a steam room of some form, so it is possible to relax in one after your
exercise. It's a great habit to make! 5-10 minutes after your workout, spending time in a steam room can help
rejuvenate the body while breaking down waste. Just remember that there is no set limit to how long you
can remain in there-so leave immediately once you feel uncomfortable or dehydrated. For more information
about steam rooms, visit Livestrong.com.
10. Weight Loss Treatments
If you've struggled with your weight long enough, perhaps
a treatment is best for you. If plastic surgery or liposuction isn't for you, there are other methods of
losing weight that are quite healthy. The most popular procedure for weight loss involves a small
incision that reduces the overall size of the stomach itself-causing an individual to eat less and thus lose
weight quickly. For the most part, weight loss treatments are generally accompanied by a diet and
exercise regimen-so remember that surgery is not an alternative.
In order to lose weight, a balance of diet and exercise
are a must. Never do anything to jeopardize your health in the name of losing weight! Always consult your
physician before beginning any regimens to ensure that your body is healthy enough for the
weight-loss process. By following these tips, you'll be swimsuit ready in no time!