And when it comes to weight loss, your approach doesn't have to hurt for it to actually work. Back to the soda example: Let’s say you drink two sodas a day. If you figure that one soda has roughly 240 calories, that means that you’ll cut 3,360 calories a week just by switching your soft drink for water (or, okay, sparking water). That means you’ll lose almost a pound, which is 3,500 calories, just by stopping the pop habit.
Even if you don’t drink soda, there are a ton of simple, everyday habits you can put into practice in order to lose the weight you want (or continue to maintain the weight you are). In fact, Andy Yurechko, M.S., R.D., of Augusta University Medical Center in Georgia, believes the most successful dieters avoid fads and focus on long-term sustainable practices.
Develop an exercise plan that includes heavy weights. Build more muscle: Burn more calories. Make sure to cut down on rest time between sets. This keeps your heart rate elevated, causing an increase in calories burned. Use these tips to lift heavy the smart way.
Study after study continues to show intervals are more effective and time efficient than longer activity performed at a lower intensity. This super-simple partner interval workout gets the job done quickly.
Your exercise plan—whether you're aiming to lose weight or not—shouldn't just focus on one area of your body. Instead, incorporate exercises that use your whole body. Think: squats, deadlifts, chin-ups, and pushups. You'll get more bang for your buck out of each workout. If you have trouble hitting the gym after work, consider waking up early to exercise.
There's no better way to find out what you're putting in your mouth. Use a free app, like MyFitnessPal, which makes it easy to log from anywhere. Chances are you’re eating more than you think.
A study review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that those who ate breakfast were more successful with long-term weight maintenance. Other research has shown the same for weight loss.
Grab Greek yogurt, a piece of fruit and handful of nuts, make a smoothie, down some hard-boiled eggs or scramble them. It doesn't have to be fancy. (But may we point out the absolute best way to make scrambled eggs? It's also the easiest.)
Then eat progressively less throughout the day. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that eating most of your calories earlier in the day positively influences weight changes.
This means not sitting in front of a computer, TV, or phone all day. Stand and you'll burn more and be more productive. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help burn more calories, too. This won't make or break success, but every little bit helps when it comes to physical activity.
If you do, you'll buy everything in the store instead of sticking to your list. And most of the time, the foods you buy when hungry will be the kinds that sabotage your weight loss efforts and won't help you get rid of your belly.
When you go out to eat, restaurants will often allow you to substitute the fries or chips with steamed veggies. All you have to do is ask. Nicely.
Burn Fat FastYou'll save calories and lower your risk of heart disease. Or try an air fryer—you can even make chicken in it.
You can also use the fat-burner in your backyard: the grill, which offers plenty of flavor without the need for frying. (Find the best grill gear here.)
A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity found those who laughed hard for approximately 10 to 15 minutes each day burned an additional 10 to 40 calories a day. Multiply that by 365 and those calories can add up.
A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity found those who laughed hard for approximately 10 to 15 minutes each day burned an additional 10 to 40 calories a day. Multiply that by 365 and those calories can add up.
This means opting for an entree instead of an entree and an appetizer. Avoid buffets and try to leave something on your plate at the end of the meal. Consider splitting a meal with your dinner companion and skip dessert.
You're more likely to munch mindlessly, even though you may not be hungry.
It's better for both him and you than just letting him out the back. (Bonus: He'll love you even more!) If you don't have a pet, offer to walk a neighbor's dog.
Theoretically this translates to losing nearly 1 pound per month (1 lb = 3500 calories)—with hardly any effort. Using smaller plates and bowls can help you achieve this, since it makes less food seems like more.
Similarly, eating slower can cut out extra calories since it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to sense it's full.
You'll get fresh air, burn a few calories and get your heart rate up. Buy a pedometer and aim for at least 10,000 steps each day.
If your friends prefer pizza, wings, nachos and beer on a regular basis, find ones who are like-minded and want to be healthy. Research has suggested that friends enhance (or can hurt) success. Join a running club or other group focused around physical activity.
Many people put everyone else ahead of themselves and let their health fall by the side. Put yourself on your agenda.