If you're like most of us who have been on a never-ending cycle of fad diets and weight loss regimes, it's time to break free from all the restrictive rules they impose.
Strict calorie counting and gruelling hours at the gym isn't necessary to achieve long term health or slimness. In fact, there are easy steps that can help you break away for good from yo-yo dieting and keep your body healthy without having to spend all day obsessing over every bite you eat.
Traditional dieting doesn't work and provide practical ways to make lasting lifestyle changes.
Understanding the science behind what we eat
Learning how your body works and dieting are great first steps to make small changes for lasting results. It's not just about dieting in order to lose weight, it is also about understanding the science behind what diet works best for you and why certain diet choices can be beneficial or detrimental based on your body type.
Making small changes and adjustments in diet and lifestyle can result in long-term success when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Start by measuring your current diet habits and slowly replacing unhealthier items with better options that align with your goals.
Making lifestyle modification a priority will create the foundation for good eating habits that provide greater mental and physical health benefits, helping you stay slim in the process.
Whole foods are naturally lower in calories
Eating a diet that emphasizes whole rather than processed foods is key to dieting success. Whole foods are unprocessed, unrefined and often plant based meaning they're packed full of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Eating more whole foods gives your body the fuel it needs to stay slim, energized and healthy. You'll also be able to easily reach your weight-loss goals, as whole foods are naturally lower in calories than many processed snacks and meals. So if you're looking for an effective way to lose weight and keep it off, make sure to swap out those processed junk foods for healthier alternatives like vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains.
Drink plenty of water
Many dieters are familiar with the idea that cutting out sugary drinks from their diet can be beneficial if they want to stay slim. Not only does it help eliminate those extra calories but it can also help them lose weight more effectively since sugary drinks often contain hidden sugars.
Also, for dieters, drinking plenty of water will not only help to keep their bodies hydrated, but it gives them a sense of feeling full without having to consume calories, allowing them to eat fewer calories while still maintaining their diet.
So whether your goal is weight loss or simply staying slim, make sure you drink plenty of water and cut out sugary drinks!
Exercise is important in our daily lives
Everyone knows that exercise is important in our daily lives, and unsurprisingly, it can be quite helpful with relieving stress. That being said, moderation is key, there’s no need to overdo it.
Find an activity that you actually enjoy, whether that's a yoga class at the Manchester private gym, a Manchester massage to unwind after a long day or jogging in the fresh air, whatever works for you. Working with a personal trainer Manchester isn't necessary either, especially if you’re comfortable enough exercising independently. When it comes to staying active and de-stressing, the most important thing is to have a consistent routine that fits into your lifestyle.
Get an adequate amount of sleep
Sticking to healthy sleep patterns can be tremendously beneficial for both our physical and mental well being. Restful sleep reduces levels of stress hormones in the body and increases alertness and productivity.
Getting an adequate amount of sleep, typically 7 - 8 hours each night, can also help you stay slim, as poor sleeping habits have been linked with increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy food choices. When people don't get enough sleep their bodies sometimes respond by releasing a hormone called ghrelin which stimulates hunger.
Ultimately, it's in your best interest to get sufficient sleep so that you do not overindulge or become more susceptible to feeling low energy or anxious throughout the day.
Rewards are deserved
Making the commitment to stay slim is no easy feat, but celebrating your successes along the way is key to maintaining your momentum. Throw away the cookie cutter diets and fad cleanses, no more crash dieting and focus on building a permanent lifestyle that works for you.
Eating fewer processed foods, moving your body every day, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and setting achievable goals are just some of the steps you can take. Celebrate each milestone no matter how small, whether it's going for your daily walk or eating that extra serving of veggies instead of dessert.
Every single accomplishment deserves an acknowledgment so reward yourself in healthy ways like giving yourself an extra hour of reading before bed or turning off all screens (including the phone!) two hours before lights out.
Taking a holistic approach towards making sustainable health changes will keep you on track and get you closer to achieving your slimmer self!