Drink More Water
Water plays a large role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Dehydration can also be mistaken for hunger so it is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day. Water has zero calories, is filling and naturally suppresses your appetite. Drinking a cup or two before a meal can help you take in fewer calories. If you don't enjoy drinking plain water, try adding a lemon or cucumber slice to give it more flavor without adding extra calories.
Eat More
It may seem counter-intuitive to eat more food to lose weight, but the key is to increase your intake of whole, healthy foods. Simply reducing caloric intake will leave you vulnerable to being deprived of nutrition, which will have negative effects on your body and weight-loss efforts. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods that can help you ward off extra pounds while providing the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function.
Be Mindful
Thinking about why you want something before you eat it can help prevent overeating and emotional eating. Mindless eating can easily lead to weight gain. Sneaking in candy or a few extra potato chips can add up throughout the day and leave you feeling unfulfilled. Spend meal times sitting and enjoying your food instead of rushing or trying to use the time to multi-tasking. Also, if you cook, refrain from sampling the food you are preparing to avoid taking in too many calories.
Give In
Banning certain foods from your diet or considering some foods "bad" is likely to backfire. It can cause you to crave them more and, in turn, overindulge. A diet that is too restrictive will not be successful in the long run. Allow yourself to eat what you like in moderation to avoid feeling deprived. Indulging occasionally will help you appreciate your indulgences and stay balanced without compromising your weight-loss goals.
