5 Short and Simple Steps You Can Take to Lose Weight
By: Markus Skårnes
Tags: Weight Loss, Lifestyle, Tips, Health, Nutrition

5 Short and Simple Steps You Can Take to Lose Weight

Losing weight by building healthy habits.

I write this from my own experience of losing weight, and while I haven’t accomplished my goals yet, I have learned a lot along the way so far through losing a lot of weight multiple times. I’m not suggesting a crash diet, or really a diet at all. These are sustainable changes, to be implemented bit by bit so that you barely notice them. I’ve found that these things work, at least for me, and that they are sustainable as long as they aren’t taken to the extreme.

First, I want to get the basics out of the way. Real weight loss happens by maintaining a calorie deficit over a long period of time. While many factors affect this and many ways to accomplish it, this is a basic truth.

Anyway, here are 5 simple steps you can take to reach your weight loss goals, whatever they may be.

Photo: TotalShape / Pixabay.com

1. Literally Steps

Simply walking for 15 minutes to an hour every day can do wonders for both weight loss, as well as general health. It’s super easy and can be tied to a routine you’re already doing, for example by walking after dinner or before bed. Additionally, it can give you time to catch up on podcasts or audiobooks that you maybe otherwise wouldn’t find time for.

2. Drink Only Water

For me, this is a great starting point for a healthier diet. Replacing any soda, milk, or juice with water helps cut down on liquid calories, which don’t fill you up more anyway. Also, drinking enough water can help reduce hunger, making it easier not to overeat. It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, so remember that the next time you feel hungry, you might only be thirsty.

3. Eat More Whole Foods

I personally found that reducing my calorie intake was a lot easier if I mainly ate whole foods, such as meat, vegetables, eggs, etc. Emphasis on the vegetables! They are very filling and some of the least calorie-dense food there is. In my experience, when I ate these kinds of food, I didn’t have to go hungry to lose weight. Additionally, by cooking for yourself instead of eating pre-prepared meals, you’ll be moving around in the kitchen. Any movement helps!

4. Strength Training

Strength training and building muscle can increase your metabolism, though the question of how much is debated. Some say the effect is minimal, while others claim it is greater. Nevertheless, developing your strength is one of the best things you can do for general health. This can be accomplished in a lot of different ways. I’ve found it easiest to go to the gym and lift weights a couple of times a week, doing a full-body routine. However, doing calisthenics, a more split up gym routine, or other forms of strength training works too. The important thing when choosing a form of strength training is to choose something you can adhere to. Consistency over longer periods of time is the key to success in most things! Which brings me to my final point.

5. Time

No matter how well you implement these changes, it will take time. If you incorporate these healthy habits into your life little by little, rather than doing everything at once, you might find it easier to sustain them in the long run. I believe this is the biggest reason why I’ve failed several times to keep the weight off. I get too obsessed with it, do too much at once, and end up losing motivation because thoughts of weight loss take up too much of my energy and time.