1) Planning for Success
If you’re on a quest for rapid weight loss, there are several factors you should consider. First, make sure your goal is realistic and that you have a plan. Not all diets lead to long-term weight loss success; some even cause rebound weight gain. Choose a diet that fits with your lifestyle, realistic goals, and healthy habits (more on those later). Also, keep an eye out for what doesn’t seem right—those claims too good to be true probably are. It pays to do a little research before trying any new regimen—including fad diets. Remember: The best way to lose weight over time is by adopting healthy habits rather than relying on gimmicks.
2) Eat Less, Move More
Don’t be fooled by quick-fix weight loss plans. If you want to lose weight, there are two simple rules: You must burn more calories than you consume. That’s how all dieters should approach losing weight—especially if they want fast results and long-term success. Skipping meals or restricting your daily calorie intake leads to weight loss—but not fat loss, which is what most people really want. Instead of depriving yourself of your favorite foods, simply avoid going overboard with portions and dishes that are high in fat and sugar. Remember that it takes 3,500 calories (about 5 pounds) to create a pound of body fat.
3) Drink Green Tea
Tea is a great weight loss solution, and green tea is one of nature’s best options. Research has suggested that drinking 3-4 cups of green tea per day can significantly boost your metabolism and help you burn an extra 200 calories per day! That’s not just good for losing weight – that’s great for your overall health, too. Green tea has also been linked to lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, improving brain function, and even fighting cancer. Sounds pretty amazing right? We couldn’t agree more!
4) Try Some Supplements
No, a healthy diet and regular exercise don’t work for everyone. If you want some extra help, though, there are several supplements on the market that claim to promote weight loss in a short amount of time. Be wary of any magic-pill-type promises; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Supplements are not regulated by an agency like the FDA or have been tested in clinical trials and may have side effects or other health issues you might not expect (for example, caffeine can make you jittery and upset your stomach). Before taking any supplement or new product—even those promoted as natural—you should always talk with your doctor first to get his opinion on whether they’re safe for you.5) Get Enough Sleep
People who don’t get enough sleep have higher BMIs. This is one of many reasons why sleep is one of your best weapons against weight gain. When you aren’t getting enough Zzzs, your body releases more ghrelin (your hunger hormone) and less leptin (your satiety hormone). As a result, you become hungrier and can experience cravings for calorie-dense foods that have little nutritional value. Sleep deprivation also impairs brain activity so you tend to eat more fatty or sugary foods as a quick pick-me-up. For example, just two nights of sleep deprivation has been shown to trigger cravings for sweets by stimulating the production of ghrelin while suppressing leptin production.
6) Stay Hydrated
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget about hydration. Staying hydrated will not only help you look and feel better but also give your body all of its necessary fuel for weight loss. For starters, drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day. Caffeine can lead to dehydration and excess calories (yikes!). Stay away from soda and fruit juice—they’re full of sugar!
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