Losing weight is tough. It is hard to get started, it is hard to keep going and it is hard to keep the weight off. There is no quick fix for it all, you need to make a lifestyle change. And while a lifestyle change won't happen all at once, you can get started right away, you will start to see results right away and you will be able to keep the weight off forever. Here are 10 fast ways to get started losing weight.
1. Buy a pedometer and start walking. You should take at least 10,000 steps per day. It sounds daunting, but it isn't at all. You may not be able to continue your couch potato, elevator taking, parking close to the entrance lifestyle but with a few easy changes you will easily reach 10,000.
2. Drink more water. You should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Do not go overboard and drink 20 glasses, it will not help you. But I am willing to bet that you are currently drinking more like 2 to 4 glasses of water per day right now. Increasing your water intake will increase your metabolism, it will give you a feeling of fullness in your stomach and help you eat less.
3. Replace soda, coffee, tea and juice with water. This will certainly help you achieve #2, drink more water. As a culture, we consume approximately 1/3 of all our calories in liquid form. Imagine, removing 1/3 of your caloric intake instantly and the effect that could have on your weight loss. This is one of the easiest steps to take and it will have a huge impact.
4. Exercise portion control. Portion size in North American society is out of control. You could feed a family of four with one meal served in a restaurant these days. It's not healthy but it is difficult to control. Portion size is not just a physical problem, it is also a social and mental hurdle. It is hard to convince yourself you are full or that you have enough food when your plate looks empty. It is hard to explain an empty plate to family, friends and coworkers. To mitigate all of this, use smaller plates. Your plate will look full, allowing you to feel like you are eating your fill while controlling your portion size and no one will think you are "skimping" on food.
5. Stand for 10 minutes every hour. Easy enough and it will even give you a break from your work, television, kids or whatever you are doing. It will get your body moving again, increase your metabolism and help move you out of couch potato mode! If you find standing tedious, go for a short walk, visit the water cooler, pick up your photocopies, ask someone a question in person instead of calling or sending an email.
It is easy to start taking steps in the right direction and once you have taken them, it is easy and fast to lose weight.
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