7 Healthy Weight Loss Strategies That Work

Effective Weight Loss: 7 Proven Strategies

Just like anything you do in life, if you want to be successful, you have to have a game plan ready. You need to have effective strategies to help you reach your goals. The same goes for weight loss. Here are 7 healthy weight loss strategies that over time with my clients I’ve discovered need to be address to give long-term healthy weight loss.

1. Goal Setting

Goal setting is extremely important. You need to get clear on what you want to achieve and why. Be specific as well. How much weight do you want to lose? Why do you want to lose weight? How long would you give yourself to lose a specific amount of weight? Having clear goals help you to give something to strive towards.

2. Diet Basics

When it comes to weight loss, food is probably the most important aspect. You need to have a solid diet plan, which covers your daily vitamin needs, when and how to eat and your macronutrient ratio intake of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Never forget to hydrate yourself with filtered water as well.

3. Exercise

While dieting is 70-80% of the weight loss equation, exercising is the other 20-30%. Exercising helps you to burn off extra calories to help you be in a caloric deficit state and burn off fat stores. Be sure to be consistent and exercise regularly. If possible, choose exercises that you enjoy.

4. Detox From Sugar

Sugar contains empty calories, which are unhealthy and hinder you from fat loss. It also causes sugar cravings, which makes you want more and more and more. Conquer sugar cravings and balance your mood by removing sugar, wheat, and dairy from your diet. You’ll find the experience enlightening.

5. Eat For Energy

Be sure to eat every 3 to 4 hours to boost your metabolism and keep your body energized. The key is to eat clean food such as green leafy vegetables, lean protein, low glycemic carbohydrates, healthy fats and raw foods. Clean food gives your body gradual energy as they are digested more efficiently and slowly.

6. Eat For Improved Digestion

This means chewing properly and slowly when you eat, eat in a relaxed environment, and limit bread intake. This will help your body to be able to digest and absorb nutrients as efficiently as possible. Don’t drink with your meals; this dilutes digestive juices making digestion harder. Drink your water between meals.

7. Stress Management Techniques

Stress results in the production of the stress hormone called 'cortisol'. Cortisol causes your body to hold onto your fat stores, and as a result, it makes it harder to lose weight. Learn some stress management techniques like yoga, visualisation, meditation and relaxation breathing methods to help stabilise both mood and weight.