Weight Loss Hacks To Keep Those Extra Pounds At Bay

Quick Weight Loss Hacks To Keep Your Weight In Check

What is your ideal weight and how are you planning to maintain it? Experts recommend an overall healthy lifestyle to help you attain your weight loss goals. Therefore, any tips on how to lose weight without making tangible lifestyle changes are ultimately futile. However, there are numerous  weight loss hacks to help you shed extra pounds and maintain healthy weight in the long run.

How to lose weight is a question of every overweight person because besides affecting your self-image and esteem, having extra weight leads to a number of health conditions. You must be aware that healthy meals and workouts keep your weight on track, so always choose healthy food over junk, embrace other consistent healthy habits such as regularly exercising or engaging in physical activity, and focus on taking care of your overall well-being.

Quick Weight Loss Hacks To Keep Your Weight In Check

Taking good care of your body will not only give you that good looking appearance but also keep you fit and healthy as the days go by. Be cautious of what you eat. Implement a healthy lifestyle by following these weight loss hacks that work to help you stick to the right path of healthy weight loss.

Simple Healthy Food Hacks

Your healthy weight loss journey begins with one meal at a time, so do not dig your grave with your own knife and fork by eating unhealthy foods. Food is amazing and should be enjoyed. But remember, when you eat junk, you might feel bad afterwards , so choose what you eat wisely. These hacks focus on why and how you should or should not eat certain foods, and not the specific meal plans for healthy weight loss.

Read More: Best Dried Fruit For Weight Loss: Can These Healthy Snacks Keep Hunger At Bay?

• High-Protein Foods 

Your body requires more energy to burn proteins than it does to process carbohydrates, therefore, foods rich in proteins keep you full for longer.  Some high-protein foods include canned tuna packed in water, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes and beans and soy-based products.

• Fiber-Rich Foods

Take fiber-rich foods especially at lunch time to keep you full throughout the afternoon. Eat veggies before the main meal to fill up the stomach and make you less hungry for the food that follows. Vegetables are the lowest calorie foods in our diet,  they contain plenty of fibers to fill you up, which contributes to the feeling of satiety.

• Avoid Processed Foods

Processed and refined foods  are in most cases high in calories, fats, sodium and poor in quality nutrients (2). Also, packaged meals have artificial additives, flavors, food colorings, and fillers which may make you bloated, low in energy, or inflamed, therefore should be avoided.

• Drinking Plenty Of Water

Various studies show that you should drink about 1.5 liters of water per day, or 8 glasses per day. However, the figures differ according to the research, and the different types of morphologies observed. Water is an essential need for the body, its consumption is therefore tremendous. In addition, this calorie-free beverage could help you lose weight by making you feel fuller and eating less.

Drinking water instead of other sugary and non-sugary beverages helps retrain your body and taste buds to enjoy less sugar, therefore your raging cravings for sweet treats and empty carbohydrates will dial down (1). You can take one glass of water before meals. If you do not like the taste of plain water, add natural flavors such as mint, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, or slices of fresh fruits.

Also, sometimes you may feel hungry but in reality you are thirsty, so other than water, you can enjoy a nice hot cup of broth before your main meal.

• Smoothies

Blend your smoothies and protein shakes using nutritious and filling ingredients such as:

• Healthy liquid such as water or unsweetened milk.
• Fruits such as blueberries, bananas, strawberries, and mangoes.
• Green vegetables such as kales or spinach.
• Healthy fat like full fat greek yogurt, nut butter, or chia seeds.
• Ice to thicken the consistency.

• Avoid Alcohol

You can drink kombucha which is fermented tea or other healthy drinks in place of beer, wines, and cocktails. Kombucha, for instance, is low in sugar and calories, great for the digestive system and energy boosting. If you tend to drink alcohol as a way of winding down after a long day, you should try other methods of relaxing such as getting a massage.

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• Avoid Oils

When you can, cook and sauté with water or vegetable broth instead of unhealthy oils. When dressing salad, use nutrient dense alternatives with lesser calories than oil such as avocado or tahini.

Weight Loss Hacks With Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein-packed plant-based food. It is also a great source of niacin and manganese, magnesium, antioxidant vitamin E, and phosphorus. Fat in peanut butter is mainly unsaturated, therefore good for your heart (6). However, for it to be effective for weight loss, pay attention to the portion size. 

Looking at vegan weight loss hacks, most of the above points apply to all types of dieters apart from the ones involving animal products that are irrelevant to vegans (8).

 Other Meal Related Quick Weight Loss Hacks

Shopping For Ingredients

1. Always have a shopping list for what you need. Purchase fresh, organic and healthy products instead of packaged and processed ones. Shop when full  to avoid purchasing sugary snacks and other unhealthy foods on the spur of the moment. There is a good chance that you will select healthier options if you go shopping while feeling satiated.

To save money, shop when there are sales for products that you regularly use, but always check the nutrition label on everything you buy to know exactly the ingredients and additives they contain. Go for those with simple composition, and avoid items with labels containing (1):

• Sodium nitrates and nitrites
• Sodium phosphate
• Added sugar
• Food coloring and caramel coloring
• Modified food starch
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Highly processed fats such as shortening,palm oil, and partially hydrogenated oil

Healthy Alternatives

You can still enjoy meals and desserts by swapping unhealthy ingredients for their healthier substitutes. For instance, you can replace:

• All-purpose flour with cassava,whole wheat, buckwheat, chickpea,, or almond flours.
• Butter with olive or canola  oil.
• White bread with whole wheat sprouted grain bread.
• Mayonnaise with hummus for spreading on sandwiches on greek yogurt for salad dressings.
• Fat-free or  reduced-fat foods with healthy whole fat foods.
• Pasta with brown rice or noodles made from zucchini, vegetables, or quinoa.

Avoid Added Sugars

Learn to identify the sources and amounts of sugars in sweet foods and drinks as well as processed stuff by reading the labels on items. Learn different names of sugar, such as evaporated cane juice, dextrose, glucose, sucrose, corn syrup, , fructose, galactose, malt syrup, maltose, brown sugar etc.

• Drink water instead of soft drinks and other processed beverages.
• Opt for homemade sauces in place of the canned ones bought in stores.
• Consume whole foods in place of processed ones.

Read More: No Sugar Diet Food List To Keep Your Carb Intake Reined In

Go For Useful Spices

Healthy eating does not have to be boring, therefore spice up your meals to make them tasty and enjoyable for you to stick to the routine menu. You can spice up your food with healthy homemade marinades and sauces, garlic, ginger, black pepper, sea salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, coconut sugar, onion powder, cumin,  and dried herbs such as tyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil.

Cook Your Own Meals

Taking charge of your meals gives you total control of the quality, portion, and calories of the meals that you consume. This may help you avoid pre-packaged processed foods with unhealthy additives that help them taste better. Also, know what you will eat and prepare in advance to prevent last-minute change of mind for a quick, unhealthy alternative like ordering fast food.

Portion Control

A large portion of a meal may exceed your daily energy requirements, therefore, you should know what meal size contains the necessary calories you need. Even when you purchase foods in small-sized packages, do not eat them from the package. Instead, portion the right amount on a plate. To control your portions (1):

• Take balanced meals containing more vegetables and lean proteins, but fewer healthy carbohydrates.
• In place of simple carbohydrates, go for complex ones and whole grains. 
• Know what is contained in one serving of your food. 
• Some sources recommend splitting your meals into restaurant-like courses. You should also eat on smaller plates that are brightly coloured. You do not have to finish everything that is served when you eat out. You can always carry restaurant leftovers home.
• Eating on a small plate tricks the brain into thinking that you are about to finish your food, and this external cue may help you figure out when you should stop eating faster.

Plan Your Meals Ahead

Failing to plan is planning to fail, therefore, proper planning is the foundation of achieving your weight loss goals as it gives you control over your healthy lifestyle. Always have healthy alternatives within reach. For instance, you should get rid of all unhealthy foods from your kitchen cabinets and drawers, and replace with plenty of nutritious snacks and foods that can be accessed easily when there is need, such as fresh and dried fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, high-proteins, and full-fat greek yogurt. Alternatively, you can store them away in places that are hard to reach, and put all the healthy foods on display instead.

Have A Journal Or An App That Will Help You Monitor Your Eating Habits

Technology can be a healthy food hack because you can download apps that will help you keep track of your meals, drinks, calories consumed, and the nutritional profile of what you eat. If you aren’t on good terms with technology, you can track what you consume in hard-copy journals.

Healthy Eating Habits

Focus on your meal when eating. Do not eat at your desk, while working, or watching television because the meal will be less satisfying, and you may want more food sooner than if you concentrate fully on the meal while eating. Eat slowly and chew your food for the stomach to properly communicate to the brain that you are full.

Mentally bingeing through eating fantasies may make you eat less of the actual meal. After eating, do not hover around the kitchen as this may lead to mindless grazing, making you overeat, so keep yourself busy outside the kitchen.

Cheat Meals

You cannot live without letting yourself enjoy your favorite snack every once in a while. To stop your raging cravings, incorporate cheat meals into your plan. To prevent your cheat meal from turning into a cheat month, make sure to (1):

• Select a timeframe, for instance once a month. Choose only a cheat meal, not an entire cheat day because it might make you lose focus.
• When the time comes, enjoy the meal and do not think too much about the extra calories.
• You can opt for comfort foods such as pasta, pizza, doughnuts, or pancakes because you want to. Most of these foods will satisfy and fill you up to the point where you will not want them for quite a while afterwards. As you get into the swing of healthy eating, you might even start disliking junk food.

Intermittent Fasting (IF)

This may give you the necessary boost to kick-start your weight loss, as it entails switching between predetermined periods of fasting and eating. Instead of focusing only on calorie intake, IF regulates the times that you eat for instance 6-12 hours, one day on, or one day off. Doing so may help you lose weight by:

• Identifying your weight loss goals and eating plan.  
• Regulating the insulin response , making it easier for the body to burn stored fat. It may also lower inflammation and blood pressure.
• Boosting the levels of the human growth hormone (HGH) that helps in burning stored fat and growing muscle.

However, note that not everyone should give intermittent fasting a go. Especially expectant, lactating, and women trying to conceive, those with conditions such as eating disorders, difficulty regulating insulin levels, diabetes, or on certain prescribed drugs. Therefore, you must consult your doctor or dietitian before trying any IF diet.

Label Your Foods

You can indicate the portion size of your favorite food packages and the required workout to burn it off to help you prevent over-indulgence.

Post-Meal Mint

When considering what to eat at night to lose weight, it is recommended to eat some little cottage cheese before bed because it contains digestion-slowing protein and tryptophan, the sleep-promoting amino acid (3). You can also take a protein shake to boost your metabolism and minty flavors such as peppermint that may help you curb your appetite. Some sources recommend chewing gum after dinner, drinking a cup of mint tea to calm your taste buds and mind, or brushing your teeth to prevent post-meal snacking.

Wear Something With A Fitted Waistband When Eating

Loose, comfy clothing such as sweatpants at meal time might not tell you if you have eaten enough. Instead, waistbands will become tighter as you eat more food.

Forgive Yourself When You Backslide, Then Get Back On Course

Choosing a healthy lifestyle is not an easy thing, therefore, if you slip up and consume non-healthy meals or snacks, forgive yourself. The most important thing is not to give up and not let occasional mistakes along the way discourage you from turning your life around.

Physical Activity

Keep your body physically active. For instance, instead of taking the elevator, take stairs, walk instead of driving, and wash dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher etc. When working out, listening to music may help you move faster, supercharge you, and subconsciously encourage you to continue with the routine. Make sure you follow exercises recommended by a professional and customized for you.

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More Lifestyle Weight Loss Hacks That Work

Losing weight is not all about eating healthy food and burning calories – rest,  sleep, and peace of mind are equally important factors for proper functioning of your body, and management of your cravings. Therefore, for workouts and healthy eating to be effective, you need to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit. This can be achieved through:

Adequate Sleep

Did you know that good-quality sleep is key for weight loss?  Since obesity is also related to your hormonal levels, inadequate sleep may lead to weight gain by messing the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, a good night’s sleep may give you more energy throughout the day, making your body crave less sugar and empty carbohydrates for more energy. You can enhance your sleeping routine by:

• Sticking to a sleeping schedule;
• Turning off any electronics such as the television one hour before bedtime; 
• Trying to relax before going to bed by reading a book, meditating, taking a bath, or doing yoga;
• Avoiding caffeine drinks too late;
• Minimizing stress.

Minimizing Stress

Stress prompts a surge in cortisol, which is a fight or flight hormone that can impair blood-sugar metabolism, tear down muscle fiber, and enhance the brain chemical neuropeptide Y, sparking cravings (4). You can meditate for 10-30 minutes a day to lower cortisol levels, and engage in calming practices which normalize this hormone and boost those of serotonin, the appetite-suppressing hormone.

Accountability Partner And Meal Companions

Find a friend or hire a professional to share your journey with. It’ll help you stay motivated. Research also shows that most food choices are determined by the character of people you are eating with, therefore it is important to carefully select your meal companions (9).

Clean Living

Clean living encourages clean eating, therefore, you should declutter your countertops to give yourself the space you require to prepare healthy meals.

Staying Positive

For these weight loss hacks to work, you must put in effort, stay committed and keep a positive attitude. Give yourself credit for the success achieved daily. Take pictures of yourself regularly  and you will notice the small changes which will encourage you to continue with the weight loss plan. Chant encouraging mantras with a personal meaning to keep you focused on your endgame.

Final Thought

Weight loss is possible! It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. Follow these weight loss hacks to overcome the challenges that come with weight loss faster! Get a green light from your general physician and dietitian before trying any diet, and make sure your workouts aren’t doing you more harm than good by double-checking with a certified trainer.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

SOURCES:

1. 15 Weight Loss Hacks That Actually Work! (n.d., asweetpeachef.com)
2. 25 Sneaky Weight Loss Hacks That Really Work (2020, gethealthyu.com)
3. 26 Things to Do Before Sleep to Lose Weight (2020, eatthis.com)
4. 32 Life-Changing Diet Hacks for Weight Loss (2020, eatthis.com)
5. 17 Weight Loss Hacks That Have Nothing To Do With Diet Or Exercise (2017, huffpost.com)
6. Can Peanut Butter Really Help You Lose Weight? (2020, msn.com)
7. My top 8 weight-loss hacks (2016, dietdoctor.com)
8. Vegan Weight Loss Hacks + VIDEO (2017, sweetpotatosoul)
9. What Everyone Else Is Eating: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Informational Eating Norms on Eating Behavior (2014, jandonline.org)