Easy Ways to Start Losing Some Weight!

We’re all creatures of habit, so when we begin thinking about diets or new routines to try to lose a some weight it’s difficult to think about cutting out some of your favorite foods! I mean lets face it, we all love a summer picnic with burgers and hot dogs, and root beer floats. It can be hard considering giving up our our late night snacks or greasy burgers to try to drop some weight. But with summer and bikini season in full swing, who hasn’t considered trying to cut back a bit or dropping a few pounds? Starving yourself definitely is not the way to shed the weight though. Everyone knows that what we eat and our workout schedule is what usually leads to weight loss or gain. There are some really simple and easy ways to start losing some weight and keeping it off!

Water is key!! Drink lots of water. Your body often confuses thirst with hunger, so you end up eating when in fact your body only needs a nice glass of water. Water does not carry any calories where as many other beverage options like sodas or smoothies do. Drinks like smoothies or energy drinks often are at least 100 calories, but do not satisfy your hunger like an 100 calorie snack would. So drink some water and find a light snack to get rid of the hunger instead of drinking a smoothie that will most likely leave you still hungry and wanting more. Higher amounts of sodium or sugar are often found in drinks as well, can cause your body to retain and hold water, making you puffy or bloated. Drinking lots of water and cutting out the sugary unnecessary beverages is one of the easiest and simplest ways to start losing.
If water’s to boring or you need a change try adding some citrus or even slices of berries or mint to your water to a freshen it up!

When you feel like grabbing something to eat, stop and ask yourself, “Am I really hungry? Or do I just feel like eating something?” You’ll be surprised how often you just feel like eating something, when in fact your body does not really need the food. Consider your hunger before you start eating. Food should make you feel good, not stuffed or bloated. Remember, your stomach is only the size of your fist! 

Rethink the midnight snacks. Do you really need them? I know, it’s so nice to grab some ice cream, or another bowl of cereal while watching some late night TV. When you finally get to sit down and relax at the end of your day, is usually when the mindless eating begins. When you eat while focusing on something else like reading a book or watching TV it’s easy to over eat; before you know it, you will have eaten more than you had meant to because you had been distracted. It’s so easy to grab a bag of chips or a scoop of ice cream to enjoy while watching TV, or reading, even if you’re not hungry. But rethink that late night snack, or if you want the snack, try to pick something light and healthier.

Add more spices to your food! It sounds weird, I know, but by adding some spiciness to your dishes your metabolism will increase. Chili’s source for their heat comes from capsaicin found in most chilies. Capsaicin causes your body temperature to rise. As well as speeding up your metabolism, the capsaicin also works as a blood thinner which helps prevent blood clots.  
See, there are some easy ways to begin shedding some weight! Just make sure to be drinking a lot of water (and with this weather you're going to be needing it anyway). Try bringing a water bottle with you everywhere you go, it will make it a lot easier to remember to keep drinking it. And I know it's difficult but only eating when you're hungry, and cutting out those late night snacks will be a big help in losing some weight!