It’s harder to lose weight than otherwise claimed. 

Everyone wants to look slim and smart. But most of us have a few extra pounds which we want to get rid of.
All those nights of binge eating and food therapy are bound to catch up with you eventually.

We need to remember that there is no short cut to losing weight, even though it takes less time to gain it and more time to shed  those pounds.
We have to work and be patient about the results. We can be sure that we will get results, but to expect these results to be achieved overnight is wishful thinking.

Here are a few tips for effective weight loss that have been tried and tested.

I was in the same boat as you are right now. I used to read all the articles and not believe a word  of them because I felt like it was all a gimmick and that, if it was so easy, everyone would be doing it.

But then I finally decided to get REALLY SERIOUS!

To my surprise, I started noticing tangible results and saw my body changing,  by simply following a few simple tips.
You do have to be realistic and make these tips a part of your everyday routine, but the best part is you won’t have to go through the silly routines of starving yourself.

PROVEN TO WORK Tips:

1. Drink water

Drink lot’s of water literally, a lot of it at least 8 glasses a day, every day!

Water hydrates your body, helps in digestion and reduces cellulite. It also helps to improve your skin. Water is a natural and world known staple of weight loss as it improves your metabolism rate.
Start with drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and then slowly start increasing the amount.

Carbonated drinks, beverages and preserved fruit juices that come in cartons are a big NO! If you’re used to drinking beverages with your food, you should substitute it with fresh juices or Green Tea.

Drinking water can certainly help to reduce your weight.

 

2. Grape fruit

Grapefruit is high in enzymes that help to burn fat.

It has a high water content and less sodium. A combination of these three characteristics makes grapefruit the perfect boost for increasing your body’s metabolism.

You should make a habit of consuming at least one grapefruit daily. Try eating a grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice in the morning with your breakfast and you will notice how quickly you shed those extra pounds.

it might not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its bitter taste, but you can try adding some salt and / or black pepper to the juice.

Just remember, grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be consumed late at night as your digestive system slows down to help your body rest and rejuvenate.
The citrus from a grapefruit might end up giving you a heartburn and make you restless while trying to get to sleep.

Grapefruit can help burn fat

 

3. Portion control

Limit your portions and divide your daily meals into five or six smaller portions (meals).

Small portion intake accelerates your digestion. If you did nothing else at all,  but reduce your portions by 15% to 20%, you should still end up losing weight without doing any strenuous workouts.
Most of the portions served both in restaurants and at home, are MUCH bigger than your body actually needs.

Use measuring cups to get a idea of your usual portion sizes and work on bringing them down. 
Trick your mind and get instant portion control by using smaller bowls, plates, and cups. You’re psychologically eating your normal portions as your mind thinks you’ve got a full plate.

This tip actually works wonders and makes a huge difference when it comes to seeing results, without have to starve yourself or eating that diet food which just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
It’s all about mind over matter.

A cup of green tea after your meal also does wonders for your regime.

 

4. Eat thoughtfully

While eating, avoid doing any other activites.

Concentrate and keep your mind on eating and only on eating.

Chew everything and eat slowly. This helps your mental appetite to be fulfilled and satisfies your hunger as well.
Eating while reading a book or watching television makes you, unconsciously, consume more.
Follow the rule of table, chair, plate. Just put your food onto your plate, sit down and eat it peacefully. This way you’re monitoring what you’re eating and remember eating the amount consumed.

Eating whilst watching television causes you to consume much more than you normally would!

 

5. Give yourself a cheat day

Leave one day free as a “cheat” day.

This is a day where you can sneak in a treat like frozen yogurt, so you work hard all week and look forward to that one cheat day.

 

6. Make goals for yourself

Promise yourself that you will be more active. Try to take out some time out of your busy routine for a work out, even if its just a 15 minute walk down your street.

Take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators. Every little bit counts!

 

7. Eat more vegetables and fruits

Try eating raw vegetables and fruits, as they are low in calories. They are full of vital vitamins and minerals that help in reducing weight. They also help in food digestion, boost your energy and control blood pressure.

 

8. Switch to lighter alternatives

Try choosing low fats and low-carb food. Instead of juices try eating fruits to get enough fiber.
Use salsa’s and hummus in sandwiches rather than cheese spreads and mayonnaise.

Eat sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.
Use skimmed milk in your coffee instead of cream.
Use lemon dressing on salads rather than heavy oils.

 

9. Green tea

Green tea increases you metabolism and helps you burn more calories. Green tea also controls cholesterol levels; though it will take few weeks for its effects to materialise.
I  drink several cups of green tea per day without any dieting or working out and after only a few days, I was thrilled when I checked my weight I had lost a couple of pounds!

You can add sugar, honey or lemon in it, as per to your taste.

 

10. Be honest with yourself

Make a food journal and list  EVERYTHING you eat.

It’ll help you to know your consumption of calories which will in turn enable you to cut down on those unnecessary calories you didn’t notice earlier.
Note down everything that you put in your mouth, even if it’s a few M&Ms or a handful of nuts.

After a while, set a certain calories as a limit and try to stick to that approximate amount. If you have decided to start this regime, remember that it all depends on your own will power to control yourself.

If you see yourself moving away from the right path, don’t give up. Instead, get back up and continue with the routine. It is guaranteed to help!

 

Filed under: Weight loss

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