You may be surprised to find out that successful weight loss is better achieved by controlling the balance and timing of when you eat, and less about counting calories and working out at the gym. That’s not to say that overeating and developing couch potato characteristics will promote weight loss. It’s important to eat healthy proteins and fats, limit carbohydrates and avoid between meal snacks.
Food choices and meal timing have a major impact on our metabolism and the hormones that are in control of how fat is stored or burned for energy. You’ve made the decision to begin your weight loss journey, and that’s an important first step. The following tips will help you to work in concert with your body to naturally shed excess pounds.
Tip 1: Drink Water Before Meals
Water Before Meals Assists Weight Loss Efforts
Drinking water right before eating can help you avoid overeating and provide your body with essential hydration to stimulate weight loss. The results of a study published by the American Chemical Association demonstrates that drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before eating allowed aging participants to lose 44% more weight than those who didn’t follow the regimen. The study authors concluded that the results were due to the stomach filling effect of water that resulted in lower calories eaten at each meal.
In addition, research has shown that drinking water takes the place of other high calorie alternatives such as soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. And there’s another reason that water is so important to weight loss. Our body cells are more than 70% water and this critical fluid provides the primary means of removing toxins. Less water means more toxic buildup and the body responds by creating more fat cells to store our extra calories.
Tip 2: Eat 3 Balanced Meals a Day
Many people make the mistake of restricting calories too much when trying to lose weight. While watching calories is important, restricting calories below your survival threshold will make your best efforts futile. By supplying your body with 3 protein-balanced meals each day you keep your base metabolic rate high so you continue to burn calories evenly throughout the day. Restrict sugar and refined carbs and include a healthy protein option with each meal. And no between meal snacks, as this provides a source of energy between meals that will shut off the fat burning cycle.
Tip 3: Get Enough Sleep
Restful Sleep is Critical to Weight Loss and Health
One of the most difficult concepts to understand is how sleep can stimulate the release of body fat. Our body remains metabolically active during the overnight hours and needs a constant supply of energy to perform a wide variety of tasks. Anything that interrupts our sleep will slow or halt this critical process and leads to weight gain and disease. The two keys are to sleep in a totally dark room and stop eating at least 3 hours before retiring for the night.
People with the desire to lose weight will need to incorporate an arsenal of tools that will help them to reach their goal. Including water before each meal, making the right food choices and planning to get a restful sleep are important tips that will allow you to reach your permanent weight loss goal.
