Losing weight and keeping the weight off requires sticking to some simple lifestyle changes, but as long as you keep these changes within reason, reaching your fitness goals for the long run can easily be done. Here are there 3 simple steps to make your journey happier, while staying healthy throughout the process.
Exercise Daily
Daily exercise can make a big difference in your body shape and in the way your body processes calories. When you exercise, you put your heart to work, as well as your mind and body. You build muscle mass, which in turn, will increase your metabolism and cause your body to burn more calories daily.
Additionally, you encourage your heart to pump blood throughout your body more effectively, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. You’ll also reduce fatty deposits, which helps to reduce your risk of many other health problems, such as diabetes. On a more positive note, you also increase the number of endorphins that flow through your body, which leaves you with a more positive attitude and feeling happier throughout the day.
To reap these benefits, you don’t have to have to spend hours at the gym. Simply workout for a minimum of 30 minutes, take a two-mile walk,, throwing a ball or ride a bike nearly everyday. Whatever the workout is, keep in mind that it needs to elevate your heart above its standing heart rate and leave you breathing a little heavier. And breaking a sweat never hurt anyone!
Eat All Food in Moderation
When you are trying to lose weight or keep off weight you’ve already lost (yay!), it is so important that you allow yourself to eat all foods – even unhealthy food – but only in moderation. The most common reason many diets fail is that people completely cut-out foods that they begin to feel anxious during mealtime and resort to eating same things time and time again. When you allow yourself to give into some simple cravings (mine’s peanut butter), you are rewarding yourself and your body; making you less tempted to crave larger portions down the road.
You should also focus on eating small portions of every food – regardless of its nutritional content. Eating smaller portions helps your stomach adjust to consuming less food, which is the ultimate goal many of us. You can help this process along by also drinking plenty of water to help you feel full. Many of us have an unhealthy habit of eating far more than one portion of food per meal… so always keep an eye on portion control!
Call a Friend
Studies prove that having a close friend workout with you increases your chances of maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and losing weight long-term. Friends are great motivators that will help to keep you accountable throughout the the week. If you’re feeling up to it, you can appoint a close, trustworthy friend to oversee your weight loss to ensure you’re sticking to your goals. This person’s role is to encourage – not discourage – you throughout your journey and you’ll regularly report your progress to them several times a week.