Simple Changes Help You Lose Weight

There are several ways to lose weight gradually with little effort. You do not have to starve yourself or work up a sweat. Try some of these simple suggestions and you will see a difference and you will feel more energetic and healthier.

Tip 1: Eat oatmeal for breakfast. It is filling and will keep you full, not wanting to eat again, for a longer period of time. Don't skip breakfast. Research has shown that people who eat larger meals in the morning are actually less likely to be overweight. Your last meal of the day should be the smaller one.

Tip 2: Replace soda with water - fill it with ice. Your body actually burns fat, warming itself. If you can cut one thing from your diet, let it be soda. It contains an astronomical amount of sugar and no nutrients. And after a short while, it will lose its addictive qualities.

Tip 3: Trick yourself into exercising. If you have steps, make several trips up the staircase instead of trying to make a couple. Walk daily with your pet or your spouse. Go early in the morning, or later in the evening. You will spend quality time with those you love and feel refreshed, plus burn calories at the same time.

Tip 4: If you own a Wii, purchase a dance game, such as Just Dance. This is a fun way to exercise, and the whole family can participate. You will be surprised how much your dancing moves will improve over time as well! It is surprising how time goes by so quickly during this dancing activity (and my side always hurts as if I've been running for miles).

Tip 5: Add cayenne pepper or spicy mustard to meals. They actually increase your metabolism! You will be surprised how easily they can be incorporated into your meals. I don't usually eat spicey food, so I didn't think this would work for me, but I don't even notice the cayenne pepper when I add it to rice, pasta, meats, and casseroles. Apparently, cayenne pepper has many other health benefits as well, from killing cancer cells to relieving allergies according to the site below. I will be reading more about this spice!

Tip 6: Eat an apple or drink a glass of vegetable juice before a large meal; very little effort is required. They have few calories, but act as a healthy filler, keeping you from overeating and regretting it later.

Tip 7: Eat fruit or nuts as a snack in between meals which will effectively tame your hunger. They are a healthy substitute for fattening alternatives. Fruit contains little to no calories, has essential nutrients, and provides a feeling of fullness. Nuts do contain the healthy kind of fat, so should still be eaten in moderation; they provide essential protein and keep you feeling full for a longer period of time.

Tip 8: Eat the things you love, but in smaller quantities. Your body will become accustomed to the smaller portions, and your cravings for more will diminish over time. There will still be those days where you overeat but just think how much of a difference will be made on all the other days.