4 (More) Tips For Effortless Weight Loss

A while back I wrote a post about effortless weight loss, and while there was some controversy over whether weight loss actually could be that simple, I stand by my theory that weight loss doesn't have to be a miserable process. In fact, over the past few months, I've been losing inches without much additional effort. It almost seems to me that when I focus too much on losing weight, the scale doesn't budge, but when I ease up and relax, it happens naturally and my body drifts to its natural set point.

So that being said, here are four simple ways you can lose weight without eating mounds of broccoli, spending hours at the gym, or feeling like a crazy person who's ready to devour that bag of cookies hidden in the cabinet at any moment ...

1. Start NOW, not on Monday.

For the longest time, I was convinced that a diet, workout program, or pretty much anything related to weight loss had to start on a Monday. There isn't anything wrong with this in particular, except that it meant from Friday to Sunday I would try to fit in anything and everything I could before my latest and craziest diet began. That meant by Monday I felt like crap, was craving sugar big time from overindulging on the weekend, and was even less likely to stick with my "diet."

Instead, start making small changes today. A diet shouldn't be all or nothing, which means that it could start on a Wednesday evening at 9pm. Make smart food choices, move often, eat in moderation. It doesn't need to be a Monday, a new month, or even a new year to make these changes.

2. Get adequate nutrition.

Nutrition deficiency is a serious thing that happens to many dieters. Spend enough time being nutrition deficient, and you will start to get tired, irritable, and develop cravings. When you're tired and craving foods, it's easy reach for the fastest form of energy you can find: sugar.

So what can you do? Add in plenty of vitamin and mineral rich foods like fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like oils, nuts, and seeds, along with quality sources of complete protein. Consider adding a multivitamin or nutrition supplement.

3. Stop cutting out food groups.

One major key to avoiding nutrient deficiency is to stop avoiding entire food groups or doing something such as an excessively low-carb or low-calorie diet. Still need another reason not to give up carbs cold turkey? When you cut out foods we crave or label something "off limits," you may develop an all-or-nothing attitude. When you cave and finally eat that chocolate you told yourself you wouldn't, you're going to do a lot more damage than you would if you allowed yourself a small piece of something sweet each day.

An even better reason not to cut out food groups is that when you remove something from your diet, the replacement is often just as bad. Just look at a box of gluten-free crackers if you need an example!

4. Create a like-minded tribe or support system for your journey.

The people in your life are going to attract your decisions on a daily basis. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, and healthy people and you'll notice a change in mindset and motivation. One of my favorite ways to create this is through your fitness environment. Work out with a buddy, personal trainer, or coach, or consider joining a fitness challenge group. You'll have a built-in support system, daily motivation, and people to check in with and hold you accountable. There's no better feeling than knowing you have the support of a team behind you!

Want more tips to make weight loss simple? Sign up for my weekly newsletter and I'll send you my free guide, plus you'll get a free recipe, workout, or nutrition article every week!

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