Research shows that for most people dieting doesn’t work. Sure, there are the exceptions; but if you’ve found that diets haven’t paid off for you and maybe even put pounds on, then consider making small changes. Tweaking your snacking habits and creating some new healthy routines can lead to painless weight loss over time. Here are five ways to help you lose weight without the restrictions of a diet.
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Regularity aids: Without regular elimination, you can feel bloated and unbalanced. This leads many people to throw in the towel and have that junk food, using the rationale “I already feel lousy today, so who cares?” Getting enough fiber in your diet will help regulate digestion and has the added benefit of giving you a feeling of fullness. Some great fiber sources are chia seeds, psyllium husk, flaxseeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and beans. Magnesium can also help you maintain regularity. Celebrity dietitian Ashley Koff suggests consuming a magnesium supplement at night, fiber during the day, and hydrating with teas like detox and ginger during the day as well as coconut water.
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Green tea: Sipping green tea has been proven to aid weight loss. It’s no magic bullet, but regular consumption can help increase your body’s metabolism and even reduce your body fat. The ritual of drinking tea also quells the boredom that can lead to snacking and gives you a healthy way to indulge. Have fun selecting different teas; get yourself a special cup and enjoy the ritual.
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Don’t skip meals: We’ve all done it: eaten too much and then tried to compensate by skipping a meal the next day. But skipping meals results in extreme hunger, and the next thing you know, you’re overeating again. A heavy meal every now and then is fine and doesn’t warrant skipping meals.
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Nuts and seeds: There doesn’t seem to be a day that goes by without research in the headlines about the health benefits of nuts and seeds. The bottom line: These nutritional gems are packed with nutrients, protein, fiber and healthy fats, and regularly snacking on them supports weight loss. So keep nuts and seeds on hand—in your desk and in the car. The key to healthy snacking is to munch just a handful or two and opt for organic raw nuts that aren’t fried in unhealthy oils.
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Don’t eat after 8 p.m.: Setting a rule not to hit the kitchen after 8 p.m. makes it easier to avoid snacking. Tell yourself that the kitchen is closed, and it becomes a nonissue. Before you know it a new habit will be formed—no late-night snacking.
