Keep the Weight Off With Lifestyle Changes
By Donna Stark
All you have to do is look at the yearly profits of the weight loss industry to see how ingrained into society those "get-skinny-quick" diet plans have truly become. Millions of people struggle with losing weight each year. In fact, it can be one of life's hardest challenges to get through, but no matter how much weight you want to lose or why you need to lose it, there are certain lifestyle changes that need to be made. In other words, it's not as easy as simply taking a magic pill and watching the weight fall off. If you really want to get results, you have to put in the effort.
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss
Losing weight fast without any changes to your lifestyle is like chewing a piece of gum to hide your bad breath. Sure, the minty smell will last for a bit of time, but you know better than to get rid of the pack. You know that the quick fix is temporary and won't be long-lasting. So if you really want your weight loss to be more permanent, stop buying the "pack of gum" and get to the heart of the matter. Try looking at these three areas in your life that may have a significant, lasting impact on your weight loss goals.
- Diet - If you aren't sure where to begin, speak to your doctor about which foods to include and which ones to eliminate from your diet, but a great starting point is to try to consume more fiber-rich vegetables, fruit, fatty fish, lean protein, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. Also, aim to drink more water!
- Exercise - Going hand-in-hand with diet is exercise, so be sure to get at least 30 minutes or more of exercise every day. Staying physically active is critical to optimal health and weight loss, but don't make the mistake of counting on it to make up for all of your bad eating choices. The two have to work together and if exercise is consistently playing catch-up with your daily diet, permanent weight loss may be hard to maintain.
- Sleep - Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for weight loss. Lack of sleep can lead to food cravings, poor performance at the gym, and unstable hormone levels. So don't let those late-night movie binges sabotage your weight loss goals. Go to bed instead!
Finding Success
Making significant lifestyle changes can be difficult, but the results are often worth all of the effort and time you commit to them. On top of that, they may actually end up being more permanent than what you are used to. So stop buying the quick fix, and start enjoying long-lasting success!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Knightdale, N.C.