Losing weight can take a lot of time, discipline and sometimes a lot of sweat. There are however a lot of simpler ways to see your pounds and inches drop on the scale and in your waist without having to do HITT workouts three times a week, counting calories, or restricting yourself to a cabbage soup diet.
So, if you don’t want to feel like your world’s falling apart just to lose weight, here are 10 little tricks that you should incorporate daily into your routine that will help you lose weight – and if you’re consistent enough, it can even lead you to lose up to 20 pounds in a matter of 2 weeks. The best part of all this is, there is no gym or diet required.
Let’s get started.
1. Always start a meal with a glass of water.
You’ll stay hydrated and feel fuller instantly, which will help keep you from overeating.
2. Make a few simple swaps at every meal.
Going for a vinaigrette dressing instead of a ranch dressing at lunch can save you 80 calories, while opting for fresh fruit instead of dried can save you dozens as well.
3. Have a piece of dark chocolate for dessert.
Instead of opting for the cookies in the break room, quiet your sugar cravings with a piece of dark chocolate.
It may not feel quite as satisfying the first few times, but as you wean yourself off your sugar addiction, you’ll be glad you’re saving calories while having a healthy yet decadent treat.
4. Be diligent with portion control.
If you want to lose weight, sticking to the right portions at every meal is important. Measure out snacks beforehand instead of eating from the bag, use smaller plates to visually signal that your meal will satisfy, and put away leftovers so you’re not tempted to go back for seconds.
5. Move more.
Even if you’re not dedicating an entire chunk of time to a workout, you can burn a few extra calories by making an effort to move a little more during the day. Taking breaks to walk around the office, opting for the stairs instead of the escalator, and parking a little farther from the office entrance are all simple ways to up your calorie burn.
6. Don’t drink your calories.
It’s a common reason you’re not seeing results — those empty calories from a daily soda, morning juice, or large glass of wine at dinner can really add up.
Stick to water or if you really need some flavor, add fresh ingredients like cucumber, lemon, or mint. They’re calorie-free and taste amazing!
7. Don’t starve yourself.
A little hunger can be good for you, but starving yourself all day in order to “splurge” on dessert at night is both unhealthy and will sabotage even the strictest lean diet.
Eat well-timed meals and snacks in order to avoid low blood-sugar levels that cause you to crash and binge eat.
8. Snack on high-protein, high-fiber foods.
When it’s time to snack, make your food work for you. Steer clear of the empty, high-calorie options like chips and crackers, and go for protein- and fiber-rich foods that taste good and fill you up too.
You’ll be able to eat fewer calories while still feeling satisfied.
9. Steer clear of simple carbohydrates
Simple carbs are the white stuff—white bread, most pastries, refined sugars (the kind in soda and candy). What makes them simple, you ask? These foods provide energy, but lack the same nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and fiber) as complex carbohydrates. The body also breaks down simple carbs quickly—meaning your blood sugar will spike, and your tummy might be rumbling sooner than you imagined.
Choose whole grains instead, which your body will break down slower, keeping you feeling fuller longer. They will also reduce dangerous excess abdominal fat buildup.
So, make that switch to whole-wheat pasta, whole grain bread, or try grains like brown rice, quinoa, or millet. You will get used to them quickly and the days of simple carbs will be long gone.
10. Eat a light, early dinner.
Try to keep your dinner to about 25 percent of your daily food intake, and have it at least two to three hours before going to bed.
Eating too much too late can cause digestion and sleep issues that make it hard to stick to a healthy routine.
11. Get longer, more consistent sleep.
Lack of sleep can cause you to eat more throughout the day and not have enough energy to stay focus. So aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
It’s an easy and effective way to keep your weight-loss goals on the right track.
