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Losing weight in a sustainable way means making lifestyle changes that you can stick to. Dramatic diet restrictions and changes to your exercise routine do not work for long, and usually leave you feeling even worse.
Instead, try incorporating simple lifestyle changes into your routine that you will actually be able to do on a regular basis. Here are 4 ways to get started:
Eat A High-Protein Breakfast
When it comes to weight loss, you might have heard that you should be skipping breakfast, but that couldn't be further from the truth. For tangible and sustainable weight loss, it's crucial that you start your day with a high-protein breakfast that will keep you full.
A good breakfast can help jumpstart your metabolism first thing in the morning and can keep your appetite satisfied until it's time to eat again.
Go To Bed Earlier
It might be hard to believe, but your sleep routine can have an impact on your weight.
According to Psychology Today, "When you sleep less than 6 hours a night, your body produces a 'hunger hormone' ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and causes you to crave carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods... When you get enough sleep, your body produces a satiety hormone, leptin, which naturally curbs your appetite."
With that in mind, if you are hoping to lose weight, it's a good idea to start thinking about your sleep schedule and make the necessary adjustments.
Start Getting In Your Steps
Getting in your steps everyday is a great way to keep your body moving, even if you are working on the computer all day. Taking breaks to go for a walk outside, pacing while on the phone, and staying active are all important aspects to breaking up a more sedentary lifestyle.
Plus, walking can help regulate your blood sugar. Dr. Robert Zembroski, DC, DACNB, MS tells Bustle, "Data out of Diabetes Care revealed that a 15 minute walk after eating a meal significantly improves blood sugar."
It can also help improve digestion and help keep your cardiovascular system running properly.
Find An Accountability Partner
Finding an accountability partner--whether at home or online--can be a huge component to successful weight loss.
First, decide what you want to be held accountable for: weekly workouts? cutting junk food? eating more whole foods? drinking the right amount of water? Then, find someone you trust who will help hold you to that; it's even better if have things they want you to be held accountable for too.
This can help you stay on track, but it can also help you make your goals more reasonable when you know someone will be supporting you through them.
