Losing weight is hard. But it doesn’t have to be. There are countless guides and tips out there on how to get fit and stay that way. But I’m here to share with you my top 10 tips/strategies to stay healthy, as well as improve your overall fitness level without having to give up all the best foods in the world or spend hours at the gym.
Change Up Your Diet
One of the most common ways people lose weight is by eating less food. But there are a lot of other ways you can get fit without cutting calories.
Try adding a serving of uncooked whole grains or beans to your meals for more fiber and protein. This will make you feel fuller longer, which has been shown to help with weight loss.
Another way to keep your metabolism humming along is to add some variety to your food choices, says Dr. Paul Drago. Try eating different foods at each meal, such as chicken and rice with broccoli instead of chicken and noodles. This will keep things interesting, which can boost your motivation to stay on track!
Work At Being Positive
Being positive is one of the best things you can do to stay in shape, according toDr. Paul Drago. It’s a simple concept: if you’re feeling good about yourself, your body will feel good too—and that’s not just in the moment. It can have a lasting effect on your fitness level as well.
When you have a positive attitude and a healthy outlook on life, your body will be more likely to respond to exercise and other healthy habits. You’ll also find it easier to tackle any obstacles that may come up along your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a common culprit when it comes to getting out of shape. When you’re stressed out, your body releases more cortisol—a hormone that increases your appetite and suppresses your immune system.
To keep yourself in shape, then, it’s important to keep stress levels low. Try these strategies:
- Practice mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress by increasing those hormones that help with weight loss—namely, serotonin and oxytocin.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise lowers cortisol levels and improves insulin sensitivity, which can help you lose weight faster and maintain your weight loss longer.
- Take time for yourself: Make sure you have time for self-care—whether that means taking a bubble bath or walking around the neighborhood or going on a long walk by yourself or spending time with friends and family who support you!
Limit Alcohol Consumption
If you’re serious about staying in shape, the first thing you need to do is stop drinking. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates your body. Dehydration can make it harder for your muscles to retain water, which is why alcohol consumption can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.
Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can cause memory loss and other cognitive problems. That’s because alcohol causes structural damage to your brain cells—which could potentially lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease down the road.