If you could lose weight without having to change your diet drastically, would you? Most of us would love to be able to lose a few pounds while still enjoying the food we like.
It’s important to recognize that weight gain isn’t always solely within our control; hormonal imbalances can significantly impact our body’s ability to shed excess fat. In such cases, seeking help and guidance is crucial.
Addressing underlying hormonal issues and boosting testosterone levels can be the first step towards achieving sustainable weight loss. Consulting medical professionals and getting started on a treatment like TRT The Woodlands (or elsewhere) can help get your weight loss journey back on track.
That said, here are a few suggestions to help you experience the satisfaction of weight loss.
Don’t Skip
First of all, don’t skip that all-important first meal of the day – breakfast. Study after study has shown people who ensure they have a good breakfast have a lower BMI than those who skip it. The more nutritious, the better. Try some whole grain cereals topped with fruit for maximum health benefits. But don’t skip breakfast thinking you’re cutting down on the calories. You’ll likely find yourself making up for that with unhealthy snacks throughout the day.
Judicious Drinker
Be careful with what you drink. Sugary drinks are best avoided. It’s far better to quench your thirst with cold water. It can be flavoured, of course. An old favourite is cold water with a slice of lemon which can really quench your thirst on a hot day and will leave you feeling fresher than after some sugary drink. Watch your alcohol intake too, as the calories can and do mount up. If you do reach out for a cold beer, check the calorie content as they vary. One of the dangers of alcohol is it tends to make you believe you’re hungry when really you could go without. Be aware.
Plenty of Veg
Stock up on the veg instead of launching straight into the meat. Try to get your tummy satisfied with fresh vegetables before trying to satisfy your hunger entirely by a juicy steak or whatever meat you’re thinking of having. Not only will your diet be enriched with vitamins, but you will experience satiation leaving you less inclined to order dessert and the like.
Be Wary of Buffets and Your Environment
If you eat out, be wary of all you can eat buffets. The temptation is just too great for many of us. We’ve paid for it, and now we feel we must mount our plates sky-high and not only that, we feel we’re savvy by wrapping up a few pieces of fried chicken in serviettes to take with us if we get a bit hungry before bed. It comes down to managing the things that influence you in your immediate environment.
By extension, don’t stock up on snack biscuit bars and high-calorie cakes you might just reach out for when feeling a little peckish. Have healthy snacks on standby like an assortment of fruits. If you do find yourself at the all you can eat buffet, be selective by choosing a good portion of salad. Also, don’t rush to get second helpings. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to let your brain know it’s full. Drink water while you wait, and you won’t feel so hungry.
Smaller Portions
One of the simplest things you can do to assist weight loss without dieting is to simply trim your portions down a bit. Most of the time our portions are too big anyway, particularly when eating out. A reduction of 10 or 20 percent in portion size is going to mount up to a significant reduction in calorie intake. So you can still enjoy your favourite food, but just eat a little less.
Slow Down
Eat more slowly too. It takes time for your tummy to tell your brain that it’s getting full, usually around 20 minutes or so. Many who are overweight tend to gobble their food down, finish their plate, and still feel hungry, so they reach out for more. This habit piles on the pounds. You will enjoy your food more if you slow down and really focus on the sensations of the taste.
Track Your Calories
There are some great apps out there you can use to assist you in tracking your calories, and that will assist your weight loss. Obviously, the bottom line is, it’s down to you. But having a way of gauging and measuring what you’re taking in is going to go a long way to keeping your weight down, losing it, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.