Losing weight is not the most pleasant undertaking, especially when you need to diet. Curbing regular cravings is challenging for many people and could make the entire process of shedding a few pounds disheartening. Of course, there are plenty of dieting programs out there now, from intermittent fasting to plant-based diets. But these are not for everyone and may even leave you with terrible side effects.
So, if you’re in search of some practical and convenient steps to lose weight, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Don’t buy!
If you’ve got sugar cravings, then you know how hard it is to walk past a cafe with bright-colored, sugar-coated donuts lined up by the window. It’s the same at home. When your favorite treats are right there in front of you, you’ve just got to have them.
So, to avoid those extra calories, you need to stop stashing snacks in your cupboards, drawers, and refrigerator. Start making a shopping list with only the essentials and reduce your grocery visits to curb impulsive buying. If possible, get someone else in the family to do the weekly grocery shopping. And minimize eating out. Better still, avoid walking past restaurants and cafes altogether.
2. Find a distraction
Many people eat as a form of distraction: to cope with their worries, fears, and anxieties. So, replace it with another distraction. Take up more responsibilities at work or find a hobby to keep yourself busy. When you’re occupied, you’re less likely to think of food and reach out to that candy bar or leftover pizza. But ensure you choose something you enjoy, as much as or even more than your favorite snacks.
3. Swap instead of cutting back
Cutting down your meals to go on a diet is no easy task. Halving your food portions could leave you hungry throughout the day and make you unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand. So, instead of reducing, consider replacing.
Choose healthier, low-calory alternatives. For instance, foods with high water content like cucumber and watermelon could be just as filling but are much healthier. Replace greasy snacks with low-fat food types. Swap your candy bars with sweet or citrus fruits like mangos and oranges. All these can fill you up, make you healthier, and help you feel lighter and more comfortable after meals.
4. Understand the cravings
Sometimes, eating has nothing to do with satiating hunger. It could be an emotional response to a difficult event in life. Some people use eating as a coping mechanism to deal with stress and anxiety. So, understanding the root cause of your cravings will allow you to seek support and tackle them effectively. It’ll also prevent you from binge eating and compromising your health.
5. Make workouts fun
Exercising is another dreaded task often associated with losing weight. It’s just as despised as dieting by most people. If going to the gym is not your thing, find a more enjoyable activity to help you stay active and burn those calories. Go dancing, swimming, or jogging with your partner. Try aerobics or jazzercise with a friend. The more fun and enjoyable it is, the likely you will stick with it longer.
Of course, perseverance plays a major role in all these. So, seek support from friends and family to help you stay the course. But these steps are far easier to adopt than grueling dieting regimes and will work as a more practical solution to losing weight.
