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7 Essential Tips For Successful Weight Loss

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Losing weight can be a challenge. Every person’s body is so different, and what works for one might not works as well for another person. But with that being said there are some standard foundational truths that seem to be universal in their application and work for all! These 7 Essential Tips  For Successful Weight Loss  are the gold standards of weight loss are great to remember and to revisit and reflect on. As you start to lose weight and the scale is moving it is easy to glide into auto pilot until you hit an inevitable “plateau” then it’s always good to circle back to these building blocks to see is any of these basics are being forgotten. Almost without fail when I have hit a “wall” it’s one of these 7 Essential Tips  For Successful Weight Loss that I have neglected to follow that is the culprit.

7 Essential Tips For Successful Weightloss

#1 – Portion Control Matters: No matter what diet you have selected to follow you still need to ensure that you are managing portion sizes. It is really easy to get lax with this and just eat “healthy” food but I am sure you can attest and will shyly raise your hand in agreement that you can gain weight eating healthy food. I love this little chart that makes serving sizes super easy to visualize all you need is the palm of your hands to ensure that serving sizes stay in check.

Proper Portion Control Guide

Source www.foodlushblog.com

#2- Drink Water: Not drinking enough water can stall weight loss. The general rule is to drink at least half your weight in ounces. So if you weigh 160lbs you would need to drink at least 80 ounces of water – My daily goal is to get as close to a gallon as possible.

#3 – Get Your Sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep you can actually turn your body into a carb craving fiend! Lack of sleep can also increase stress levels which also cause your body to hold onto weight as well. So make sure you try and get at least 7-10 hours of sleep a night!

#4 – Sugar & Carbs Make You Fat Not Fat: It’s true! Make sure you are including healthy fats in your diet foods like avocados, nuts, and coconut oil have actually been proven to help aide in weight loss. So put down the “low fat” junk and choose full fat versions that don’t have all the added sugar. But as I mentioned in #1 continue to watch portion sizes.

#5 – Watch Stress Levels: Stay with me on this one… I know stress is just part of life, I get that! But find a way to manage it and release it! Don’t hold onto it! Don’t let stress control you. You need to find a healthy outlet for it. Holding onto stress can cause your body to hold onto weight especially around your mid-section. So if you find yourself stressed take a break, sip some herbal tea (without a bunch of sugar), take a walk, get a massage, go for a run, take a boxing class, try yoga, or meditation, – just find something that works for you and do it!

#6- Track It: Keeping a food journal keeps you accountable! Writing down what you eat and also paying attention to your emotions when you eat are great ways to stay on track. Like many of you I struggle with emotional eating. Sometimes just putting my thoughts to paper will help me sort through how I am feeling and will help me to avoid downing that pint of Ben & Jerry’s that I “feel” I need. You’ll be surprised how much making this a daily habit helps.

#7 – Move: This one might seem simple enough… But I cannot stress it enough! Exercise is so important to healthy weight loss. Not only will it help you to lose weight but it will also give you a better quality of life. Being active is so important and has so many benefits that I could go on and on and on and on… 😉 I will spare you paragraphs of THAT.

31 Comments

  1. Cambrey Fuller says:

    I am so glad I found your blog/Instagram so much awesome info!

  2. Amazing!! I’ve been exercising and eating “real” food….sure miss you.

  3. I am going to #makemymove by cutting out sugar and working out at least 3x a week!

  4. I’m starting to plan healthier meals to eat during the week and not depend on the drive thru so often. Thanks for the fun giveaway and I’m so excited to meet you at Blended!

  5. I loved these reminders! I am going to make sure I drink more water each day.

  6. I have started trying to lose my baby weight. And yes, my baby is almost 6. I have started exercising and trying to eat better. I drink lots of water and gave up my daily soda. #MakeYourMove

  7. Julie @ Girl on the Move says:

    I make my move to a healthier me by running every day!

  8. Drinking more water has helped me, and just moving! Thanks

  9. Heather Davies says:

    Drinking water is what I struggle with, but it’s way crucial! Great tips! #makeyourmove

  10. Carrie Skoll says:

    Great tips – I’m a believer in measuring food and journaling.

  11. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says:

    I always stress to the students in my classes that food control is so important! It’s not, necessarily, about cutting out groups or restricting but tracking and making conscious decisions goes a long way! 🙂

  12. I am going to make my move by committing to workout at least three times per week!

  13. Kimberly G says:

    I am going to #MakeMyMove by continuing to do 4-5 runs per week!

  14. Portion control is so crucial to losing then maintaining a healthy weight!

  15. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says:

    Awesome tips! I’m definitely going to #makemymove by staying active at work and getting up and awaay from my desk as often as possible!

  16. Dawn Monzu says:

    I am going to get my butt up and MOVE!!! That is my main problem! I don’t eat a ton of sweets, I don’t way over eat, but my metabolism is screwed up. I need to move more. I have become a couch potato, and I hate it. This would help me get up and get excited! God bless and good luck everyone!

  17. Tamieka@ Fitballingrunningmom says:

    My company got all employees Virgin Pulse Max trackers and I am enjoying remembering g to get up and move daily!!!

  18. Losing weight is tough, but I think that not giving up is a huge part of it. And relishing in the small accomplishments. Small acts lead to big results 🙂

  19. Mandy Pinet says:

    I am going to makemymove by eating less, cars, sugar and junk food. Try to incorporate more vegetable and protein to my diet.

  20. kelly tupick says:

    I am #makemymove by cutting back on caffeine and sugar. I know i drink way too much coffee and soda.

  21. This is so awesome and I have heard so many great things about this. I have recently gained a bit of weight and since then became really unhappy with myself and my appearance. I am going to make a stand to #MakeYourMove by exercising for atleast 30 minutes a day to begin with- whether that’s at home, outside or at the gym. Once my body is accustomed I will start more lifting to tone! This would be a blessing!

  22. Colleen Boudreau says:

    I’m going to drink more water.

  23. I make my move by getting my butt out of bed and to the gym in the morning!

  24. we have stopped buying junk food to help be healthier

  25. I’ve just started adding HIIT workouts to my fitness schedule and I’m studying for my PT cert!

  26. Melanie G says:

    I’m going to #MakeMyMove and get back into a 5 x a week gym workout. I used to be really good at going but I’ve been lacking motivation…

  27. Great giveaway. …really want this for a friend.

  28. I’ve decided to take up swimming this winter to stay active 🙂

  29. Serena Powell says:

    I plan on making my move by getting up and active for at least 30 minutes a day. I recently made a diet change which is helping me lose weight and be healthier. I think it’s time for me to add exercise.

  30. Sutton Turner says:

    I like how you said that portion control matters. I have been trying to lose weight before my vacation. Thanks for the tips on weight loss.

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