Note: This post is written by Jon Rhodes
Many so-called weight-loss methods involve ludicrous levels of self-denial and discipline. The problem with this is that most people crack at some point, and return to their former habits. This leads them to return to their former weight.
In order to lose weight permanently, you must make realistic life changes that you will stick to – permanently. This is the only way.
Here are 10 simple ways to lose weight that you can easily incorporate into your life. Choose the ones to follow that you will realistically stick to.
1. Have a Chilli Appetiser
Research has shown that chilli has appetite-suppressing qualities. Make a light appetiser containing chilli, and you could eat less overall. You can, for example, light fry some tomato with some chilli powder added.
2. Drink Two Litres of Water Every Day
If you drink lots of water, this is likely to help you reduce your eating. Sometimes we think we’re hungry when we are dehydrated. When well hydrated, you are also less likely to drink as much sugary drinks.
The hydration effects of water are beneficial to your health in many ways. They help most of your body’s functions work more efficiently. Being well hydrated increases your energy levels. This could help you burn more energy.
3. Get Rid of Snack Foods
If your house contains loads of snack foods, throw them away, or give them to a child. Weight gain is often caused by eating a small amount of extra food. The effects of this can build up over years. Instead, buy plenty of fruits to snack on.
4. Buy a Bike
Instead of driving everywhere, or getting public transport, why not save money and cycle? Even a couple of short bike sessions a week will make a difference to your health and weight.
5. Eat Slower
Consciously eat slower. If you are still hungry after a meal, wait for 5 minutes. It often takes your brain a few minutes to register that you have eaten enough. This can make a BIG difference to your weight-loss efforts.
6. Get Plenty of Sleep
Without adequate sleep, your levels of the hormone ghrelin increases, which can cause weight gain. Make sure you get enough sleep (around 6-8 hours). You will also have more energy throughout the day, and are more likely to be more active, burning more calories.
7. Have a Weight-Loss Goal
Set yourself a realistic weight you would like to achieve by a specific time. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months.” It’s healthy and realistic to aim to lose around 1 to 2 pounds per week.
8. Visualise Your Ideal Weight
Every day, spend a few minutes with your eyes closed visualising how you would look and feel at your target weight. This communicates to your subconscious mind what you want. This is important because many of your automatic habits are controlled by your subconscious.
9. Limit TV Viewing
Limit your TV viewing to 10 hours per week. This will stop you from sitting still for too much time. Also many people eat, almost without realising it, when watching TV.
10. Stop or Reduce Drinks Containing Sugar
Fizzy sugary drinks set you back when losing weight. They are bursting with “empty calories”. They contain loads of calories without any nutrition. Cut back on sugar in coffee and tea, and stop drinking soda. If you struggle with completely quitting, allocate yourself one or two days per week where you can drink fizzy drinks. Or perhaps allow yourself one per day.
Final Thoughts
Do some of these suggestions resonate with you? Pick the ideas that you can realistically incorporate into your life. A few tweaks to your current lifestyle can make a big difference in the long term.
Do you have any additional ideas that would help you lose weight? I would love to hear about them in the comments bellow.
Jon Rhodes is a clinical hypnotherapist and former musician from the UK. He has combined his two talents to create the ultimate therapeutic hypnosis MP3 sessions. Please click here for over $250 of FREE hypnosis MP3 audio’s http://www.FreeHypnosisTreatment.Com
