10 Simple Weight Loss Tips

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a struggle. It calls for a lifestyle change which can be difficult, but if taken one step at a time it can happen. Here are ten simple tips that you can start doing right now to kick start your weight loss journey and get healthy.

1. Protein for Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it, but don’t start it with a bagel or cereal either, not if you are trying to lose weight. Having breakfast restarts your metabolism after a night of rest and eating protein gives you long lasting energy and keeps you feeling full longer. A vegetarian omelet or a protein smoothy are great ways to start your day.

2. Coffee

I’m not advocating becoming a caffeine addict, but if you don’t drink coffee and you want to lose weight consider drinking a cup or two a day. It boosts your metabolism and acts an appetite suppressant. Try grabbing a cup at a time during the day that you are likely to binge and it may just help you avoid the binge all together.

3. Cinnamon

Not only does it spice up your oatmeal, but it lowers the glycemic load of your food. This keeps your blood sugar down which helps you avoid type II diabetes and lose weight. One to two teaspoons a day should do the trick. Caution: Using more will not help you lose more weight, moderation is the key.

4. Chromium Piconilate

Like cinnamon, chromium picolinate stabilizes blood sugar and is also useful in the fight against type II diabetes. It is thought to boost your metabolism as well. The suggested dosage is 400 mcg a day. Follow dosage instructions on the package or consult your physician.

5. Calcium/Magnesium

Most people are lacking both of these in their diet. Adding this combined supplement once a day can help you reach your weight loss goals and promote overall health.

6. Sleep

Getting enough sleep affects your appetite and your ability to make good decisions. Too little sleep and you are looking for quick energy boosts throughout the day, like sugar, to help you get through. Not enough sleep actually plays havoc with our hormones and increases our appetite. If you want to lose weight, get to bed.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

All natural and available in pill form, adding apple cider vinegar to your diet can help with appetite control and increase your metabolism.

8. Beans

I dedicated an entire hub to beans because I think they are so fantastic. Add a cup of beans to every meal instead of your regular starch (rice, potato, pasta) and you’ll be amazed at how full you feel.

9. Pedometer

It's simple, if you move more you will burn more calories and increase your metabolism. A pedometer helps you set a numeric goal for yourself to reach everyday and prevents you from fooling yourself into thinking you’re getting enough exercise when you’re not.

10. Water

We hear this tip constantly, but it really is true, drinking more water will help you lose weight. Before you bite into that bagel or open that bag of chips, have a big glass of water and wait five minutes. Sometimes when we think we feel hungry, it’s actually thirst. Just up your water intake by two glasses a day and you will see and feel a change.

Good luck and good health!

*I am not a medical professional. Please consult your physician before beginning any weight loss program.