Can’t seem to lose weight no matter how hard you try? You’re not alone. Losing weight is a struggle for many women. But it doesn’t have to be impossible.
There are some simple things you can do to start seeing results.
Here are 5 ways to lose weight fast.
Try incorporating these into your routine and see how quickly the pounds start melting away!
1. Cut out processed foods.
One of the biggest weight loss roadblocks is eating too many processed foods. These are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats, and simple carbs that can sabotage your weight loss efforts.
If you’re serious about shedding pounds, cut out all processed foods from your diet and replace them with whole, unprocessed options.
Try to up your fiber intake to increase your efforts.
You may be asking yourself how in the world to cut out the processed foods. Cooking at home makes it so much easier! Not only will cooking at home help you avoid processed foods, but it will also save you money.
Home cooked meals are almost always cheaper than eating out. And they’re usually healthier too. Try cooking a few new healthy recipes each week and see how much weight you can lose by making simple changes to your diet.
2. Make time for breakfast.
Many women skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. But in reality, skipping meals only makes weight loss harder. When you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to make unhealthy food choices later in the day and overeat at night. Make sure to start your day with a healthy breakfast includes protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized all morning long. Stressful mornings? Try making overnight oats the night before or prep breakfast smoothies ready to blend in the freezer.
My favorite easy smoothie recipe:
Ingredients:
-1 banana
-1 cup spinach
-1 cup almond milk
-1 tbsp honey
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
3. Store any leftovers in the fridge for later.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Another weight loss mistake many women make is not drinking enough water throughout the day. When you’re dehydrated, your body holds on to water weight, making it harder to lose weight. Make sure to drink plenty of water every day (at least 8 glasses) to help flush toxins from your system and keep your metabolism running high. If you find it hard to drink that much water, try adding freshly squeezed lemon juice or slices of fruit to your water for a refreshing flavor boost. Keep track of your water intake with a refillable water bottle and set daily water intake goals. Keeping track of what you’re doing and setting goals will help you stay on track and loose those extra pounds faster.
4. Exercise regularly.
Exercising is a crucial part of any weight loss plan. If you have time to join a yoga or pilates class, these are my personal favorite ways to get my workout in. But many women find it difficult to fit in a workout routine because they don’t have time or they don’t know what exercises are best for weight loss. The good news is that you can lose weight with as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day. Try incorporating some simple cardio and weightlifting exercises into your routine and see how quickly the pounds start melting away.
Here’s a quick 15 minute workout you can do at home:
-5 minute warm up (jog in place, jump rope, or do some light cardio on a piece of equipment)
-5 minutes of weightlifting (squats, lunges, pushups, etc. Use dumbbells if you have them or use body weight exercises.)
-5 minute cool down (stretch or walk around the block)
Making time for exercise may seem difficult at first, but once you get into a regular routine it will become much easier. It doesn’t have to be anything groundbreaking or special, you just need to make the time and move! The results are so worth it!
5. Make small changes.
If you’re struggling to make big changes in your diet or exercise routine, start making small changes instead. Small choices really add up in the big scheme of things.
Change one unhealthy habit at a time and slowly build from there.
Choose fruit instead of fries at lunch or swap a grilled piece of meat for that fried chicken at dinner.
Learn to not drink your calories. Be mindful when you eat if you are hungry or just bored. Making small changes is more sustainable in the long run and it’s more likely to help you keep the weight off for good.