As we get in to the depths of the New Year, let’s stop to re-evaluate the resolution of millions of people worldwide: lose weight. And while some realize that weight loss is simply part of living a healthy lifestyle, the majority forgets that this is the only way to truly lose weight and keep it off. So whether you’re looking to lose 100 pounds, or just 10; here are some healthy lifestyle tips that will get you where you need to be for good. It’s a marathon; not a sprint We would all love to solve all of our problems overnight. It sounds so simple. But the reality, just like anything in life is that good things take time and there really are no shortcuts. Weight loss is the most prime example. Fad diets seem like fast solutions, and in fact; they are so excruciating that the dieters don’t actually believe they are taking the easy way out. Rapid weight loss is unnatural, a shock to the system, unsustainable, and most importantly unhealthy. Instead of 10 pounds in 10 days, aim for 1-2 pounds a week depending on your goals. Defining “diet” The first of the healthy living tips that will set you on the path to success is redefining the word diet and taking it back to what it really means: the kinds of food that a person, animal or community habitually eats. What this does not mean, is halting your regular eating patterns in favor of starvation or dramatic change. You need to adopt your current eating habits to reflect a healthy lifestyle that can be kept up over the long run. These are permanent changes to your everyday life. It’s the little things The small changes, gradual adjustments overtime to your daily diet and routine are what will allow you to lose weight and keep it off. Making these changes will force your body to adopt new habits, cut cravings, set new standards and making it just a normal part of everyday life. A few examples of small adjustment, healthy lifestyle tips: Increasing your daily water intakeReplacing sodas and store bought juices for carbonated water and homemade, freshly squeezed juicesCutting caffeine consumption and replacing with herbal teasSubbing cream for milkEliminating refined sugar, using natural solutions (stevia, maple syrup, agave nectar)Eating smaller portions more oftenReducing salty snacks and subbing with veggies, trail mix, fruitPacking your lunchAltering cooking stylesChoosing restaurants with healthy alternativesAdding salad to meals/making salad your mealIncluding adequate protein portionsFocusing meals around super foodsNot eating after 8pm (no midnight snacks!)Regulating alcohol consumption It’s a lifestyle change Food is not the only super power involved in losing weight and keeping it off – although it’s the most important start. The simple math involved in sustainable weight loss all falls back on healthy choices on a daily basis. What healthy lifestyle tips help make weight loss easier for you? Let us know in the comments below.
