It’s easy to think that weight loss is a strict regimen we have to follow if we want to achieve any results whatsoever. But the truth is a little more complex than that, as it almost always is. That’s because while weight loss does have some central tenets (like eating fewer calories than those you use for energy in a sustained manner), it’s also important to know there are ways to adjust this to your preferences.
For example, if you have a cheat day every week, that’s fine. If you enjoy parties and celebrations, that’s okay. If a friend invites you for a night out, you can still go and pick up your progress later. Long-term, generally sustained commitment is better than any hyper-discipline you could focus on right this moment.
So, with that new perspective in place, how can you make weight loss work for you? Is it possible? We think so, and in this article, we explain how to do just that.
No. 1
Consider Eating Times
Timing meals differently can often help, especially when you factor in the general thermic effect of food. You may notice you prefer to eat small amounts throughout the day, or perhaps your lifestyle is better provided for with fewer, larger meals.
There’s also intermittent fasting, where food is limited to a specific window of time. It’s not necessary, but some find it helpful because it simplifies decision-making and reduces mindless snacking you may have otherwise engaged in. For example, you may eat within a six-hour window each day and then fast for the other eighteen, though an eight/sixteen split is often much more popular.
Regardless of the approach, structure does help you stick to something, and it’ll become your generally normal routine within a few weeks. If meals are spaced too far apart, though, remember that your hunger builds and cravings become harder to control, so start slow.
No. 2
Have Simple, Delicious Meals You Rotate
Planning meals in advance makes everything easier, but that doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen, especially if you implement meal planning that lets you cook and freeze big batches of portion-controlled foods.
A handful of go-to meals that are easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat take the stress out of cooking, especially if you have enough veggies, carbs, and meat or vegan substitutes. It’s the same way people have favorite outfits or routines that make mornings easier because familiarity removes the mental effort of deciding what to do. That makes following a healthy habit so much easier.
No. 3
Drink More Water & Herbal Tea
If you’re hungry, you’re hungry, but sometimes being well-hydrated can help you avoid hunger pangs that might come while you’re adjusting to a new diet or fast. Water is the easiest choice, but herbal teas are another good option and can feel restorative, such as peppermint tea or chamomile.
Green tea is good as well if you need a small touch of caffeine. This is generally a pretty good alternative to soda as well, and if you get the good stuff, it can feel like more of a ritual to enjoy as opposed to anything else.
Caffeinated options like matcha tea or yerba mate can also give you a small boost without the crash that comes with energy drinks or excessive coffee. Your energy levels will improve, and you will feel steadier if you’ve struggled with this or relied on snacks and sugar for a quick energy boost before work.
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No. 4
Weight Loss Injections Aren’t Cheating
Some people find that no matter how carefully they eat or how much they exercise, losing weight remains an uphill battle. It’s understandable to feel irritated if your progress feels frustratingly slow.
That’s why weight loss medications and injections exist and are more and more popular. They’re not a shortcut, just another tool in the broader effort to maintain a healthier lifestyle, because after all, if you’re not going to change your habits, you’ll gain all the weight back.
Now, there is some discussion if you “should” use them. Just know that no one is going to judge you if you do.
These options help by helping to manage appetite, stabilizing blood sugar, or addressing metabolic issues. They don’t replace good habits, but they can make it easier to stick with them.
The stigma around using them is unnecessary; after all, everyone’s path looks different, and what matters is finding a sustainable way forward. So, if you think these are ideal for you, talk to your doctor first.
No. 5
Find An Exercise That Works For You
Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every day or forcing through routines that feel like a chore, but this is the impression many people have when they think about a weight loss journey. In fact, your weight loss is determined in the kitchen more than any gym visit.
Moreover, there’s a reason so many people struggle to stay consistent with workouts, as they’re trying to do something they hate. It's not particularly pleasant to embark on the journey of becoming more active right from the beginning, even though the effort you put forth ultimately gets rewarded many times over in various ways.
Remember, the initial discomfort is often eclipsed by the long-term benefits that follow, making the experience worthwhile in the end. You don’t need to exercise for weight loss, but it does make you much healthier, helps you sleep better, helps you lose weight more quickly, restructures your body to be healthier, and gives you a more focused outlook. It’s thoroughly worth it.
How do you get over that initial hump though? Well, the best exercise is the one that feels good enough to keep doing. It might be walking in nature, a dance class you go to with a friend, or strength training that builds a sense of progress over time.
If you have something you truly love, whether that’s simply attending the gym for the invigorating yoga class they offer, or perhaps engaging in another cherished activity, it’s definitely something that is more than worthwhile to pursue and enjoy.
No. 6
Fix Up Your Sleep Schedule
Believe it or not, a lack of sleep not only hurts weight loss, but it can throw all your routines off. It messes with hunger signals, which makes those cravings harder to control.
Of course, if you have less sleep, your energy levels drop, making exercise feel like a struggle. Mood swings get worse, making motivation harder to find. Moreover, you have less control over your “executive functioning,” which means you’re less likely to make long-term decisions and will be more likely to cheat on your discipline for today.
That's why having a good daily routine truly matters for overall well-being. Stopping coffee consumption by noon and consciously avoiding screens before bedtime can significantly help you enjoy better comforts and enhance your nightly rest. By nurturing these simple habits, you create a more harmonious environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
No. 7
Enjoy The Tiny Milestones, They Count Too!
Weight loss can feel slow, but small changes add up, and they’re worth it. Before we set on the journey, we often think of hitting the goal weight as something that proves we’ve achieved it, but the truth is that step-by-step works, too.
You’ll start noticing little things like a little more energy in the morning, clothes fitting slightly better, stamina improving without realizing it, and more. You get to enjoy all of these.
These moments happen before the number on the scale moves in any significant way, and they’re worth celebrating. So, if you’re feeling a lack of motivation, remember the next thing you notice may only be a week or two away.
Takeaways
With this advice, we hope you can feel confident and make weight loss work for you. After all, this is your body and your life, and you get to determine how healthy habits work in your life. It also empowers you to feel more confident in yourself and your abilities, allowing you to take on new challenges and embrace opportunities with a sense of assurance and self-worth.
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