If you’re like most people, you have set some goals for the new year. Some are easier than others, but most come down to making choices. Want to spend more time with friends and family? That may mean choosing to work less or managing your time differently. Interested in exercising more? You may need to choose an earlier start to your day or join a gym. The biggest choice to make: Picking your goal. A top pick year after year is losing weight. We have all been there or know someone who has.
So, where to start? Losing weight isn’t easy. It took time to add up, so give yourself some time to lose it. Make the decision to make some changes. It’s your choice. Here are five tips to make your weight loss goal attainable.
Drinking a glass of water before meals can help with portion control by reducing overeating and snacking on unhealthy food choices.
Water, You Need It
Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Drinking plenty of water can help to manage hunger levels and promote healthy eating habits. Water helps to fill the stomach, making it easier to recognize when one is full. Drinking a glass of water before meals can help with portion control by reducing overeating and snacking on unhealthy food choices.
Water is also very important when you exercise to prevent dehydration. Without enough water in the body, muscles may not move as efficiently and can be more prone to fatigue or injury. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise helps lubricate the joints and enables them to move freely with minimal strain or risk of damage.
Move More and Increase Your Current Activity
Whatever activity level you are currently at, do more. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking for short trips, parking farther away from your destination, or simply standing up and moving around during breaks are all good ways to burn more calories. You can also add purposeful activities like going on a walk or run with friends, or doing yoga. If you belong to a gym, keep going, just increase your activity level. Start where you are and keep at it. Move more.
Eat Mindfully & Pay Attention to What You Are Eating
Mindful eating is an effective way to make sure that we are getting the most out of our meals and snacks. It centers around paying attention to what and how you eat, as well as where you eat. Mindful eating can help you become more aware of your food choices, making it easier to stick to healthy options.
Take time to chew and savor your food. Eating slowly can give your brain enough time to recognize you are full. Sit down to eat without distractions and when it comes to choosing what foods to eat, mindful eating encourages you to select healthy options that will satisfy for hours rather than minutes.
Sleep More – Try At Least 7 Hours
We all know how difficult it can be to make the right choices when we’re exhausted. That’s because lack of sleep not only reduces our ability to make good decisions but also increases our body’s cravings for unhealthy foods. On top of that, a University of Chicago study shows that even with just a few days of insufficient sleep your body’s ability to process insulin is downgraded. If the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin, it can’t adequately process fats from the bloodstream, so it ends up storing them as fat.
In order to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, it is important to get the recommended 7 or more hours of sleep each night. As counterintuitive as it may seem, getting enough sleep can actually help us lose weight and make healthier decisions. So if you’re looking to start your journey toward better health, try making a good night’s sleep a priority. With the right amount of rest, your body will be better prepared to make healthier choices.
Seek Support or Take a Friend On Your Journey
Having a support system is one of the most important aspects when it comes to achieving your health goals. It can be difficult to stay motivated and on track when you don’t have someone else to help keep you accountable. That’s why it’s important to reach out to friends and family members who can lend their support. Invite them to join in on your journey, or share your progress and goals on social media so they can cheer you on. You’ll be surprised how much of an impact their reinforcement will have in helping you reach your goals.
Find like-minded individuals who are also looking to improve their health and wellness. You’ll be able to swap stories, encourage each other, and inspire one another to keep going. Not only will it be more fun this way but you’ll stay motivated when you have your peers around.
Losing weight isn’t a race. Remember to be kind to yourself. Set yourself up for success. Make the choice to make some changes. Start with one at a time until you are implementing all five tips into your wellness journey. Drink water, move more, eat mindfully, sleep more and seek support. You can do it.
Weight Loss Through Science
You might be saying to yourself, “Yeah I’ve tried that.” Shedding those extra pounds isn’t always as easy as picking green veggies or slapping on some sneakers. Our bodies are all different, but those struggling to control their BMI have options. The unfortunate truth is, the more body mass you have, the harder it is to lose weight. While there are no shortcuts in life, science has come up with an alternative: weight loss injections like Ozempic® and Saxenda® have proven to help patients who struggle with weight loss. The GLP-1 receptor agonists in Semaglutide (Ozempic®) and Liraglutide (Saxenda®) pens regulate your appetite and lower your rate of digestion. When combined with healthy habits, Semaglutide and Liraglutide can help those with high a BMI shed pounds. TIN Rx prescribes weight loss injectables to those who suffer from obesity (BMI ≥30) or are overweight (BMI ≥27) and are at risk of developing weight-related medical problems. Looking to learn more? Get a free Weight Loss Injectables consultation here.