Simple Life Hacks To Start Losing Weight

There are many ways to lose weight really – the key is to find a method that works for you and stick to it. But, as we all love a good list of tips that are easy to follow, this is MotleyHealth’s top tips for losing you fat and slimming down.

1. Start Exercising

Maybe this is obvious, but it is amazing how many people want to achieve weight loss without workout out! Exercise can be anything really, so long as you are working your body hard. Running, weight training, swimming, soccer practice, squash, martial arts, dance, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, yoga, Pilates, walking, cycling – pick one, pick two – and do them often. Find out more here.

2. Start Fasting!

Fasting works. Why? Because you are not eating! OK, we could go into metabolism and starvation and all that (you could read this) but in short – more time fasting = less time eating = more time burning fat.

We all fast every day – this is why the first meal is called “Break Fast“. A more effective fast is the 5:2 fast, or if that is too much, a 16:8 fast.

3. Dump The Junk

Junk food is the biggest problem for many people. It is full of calories, being laden with sugar and fat. There is little quality nutrition and it is often high GI (low GI is best), meaning your body digests it quickly, pumps masses of sugar into your blood, which is quickly absorbed into fat cells – and then you feel hungry again!

Simple life rule – stop buying processed foods. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. Milk and cheese is allowed – this is old school processing! Remember, sugar is bad.

4. Sleep More

The relationship between sleep and weight may be complex and not really understood, but it is real. Less sleep leads to more binge eating and the consumption of larger meals. People who work long hours and party hard are more likely to see the pounds creep on. You probably known somebody who always has an early night, is always looking fresh and slim – try to be that person!

5. Drink Less

I like a drink as much as the next man. Whether it is ale, wine, gin or whisky, I love it. But, too much booze will lead to weight gain. Why? Because alcohol is energy. When you drink, all of that energy needs to be processed before the energy in your food is used. So every extra drink simply means, more fat.

6. Drink Water!

OK, this is cheating really. If you follow rule no. 3 and ditch the junk, you should mostly be drinking water. Water is perfect for our bodies, it is zero calorie, tastes great (most of the time) and keeps us healthy. There is nothing magical about water, it is just that we evolved with only water to drink – not soft drinks, milkshakes, beer, soda, lattes or Mojitos.

7. Get Stronger!

Sort of the same as exercise, I know, but lifting weights is a great way to not only burn fat, but also increase your metabolism. Build bigger muscles and your body will use more energy to maintain these muscles, and this means less energy is available to maintain your fat!

8. Stop Ageing

As we grow older, metabolism slows down and we gain weight. So, stop ageing! Just say no to the slow, progression of time! Stop the clock, turn back time, and be slim forever!

9. Don’t Stress

If you found rule no.8 annoying, you might be too stressed. Stress causes weight gain – all sorts of hormones rush about the body and screw up metabolism, cravings and sleep patterns. Stress also leads to depression in some people, and this can quickly put an end to the daily workouts.

10. Don’t Do It Alone

Many studies have shown that people who lose weight or workout with others are more successful. Those who attend weight loss clubs are more likely to lose weight, and those who go to the gym with friends are likely to work harder and get fit faster. The same applies fitness classes – most people are competitive and work harder if in a class environment. This is especially true for men – men want to impress women with their super-fitness levels and also look better than all the other guys!

If you are stuck for ideas, try our weekly exercise plan – why not get a friend or two to join you? These home-based workouts can be done without any equipment – why not start today? If you want to learn more about losing weight, read this article next.

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