Weight loss can be difficult. But instead of crash dieting or trying the latest fad check out these 5 simple habits that helped me lose 10 pounds easily!
Weight is a sensitive topic.
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It seems like wherever you look online these days there are diets, people being bullied about their weight, young girls struggling with self-image… it’s all kind of a big mess.
So I’m going to preface this post with this. If you are looking to lose weight then let it be because you love yourself. Lose weight because you want to be healthier, you want to have more energy, you want to keep up with your kids, you are striving to be your best self.
Don’t do it for anyone else, don’t try to hate yourself skinny. Start with accepting where you are, loving yourself right here and right now, and knowing in loving who you are you can continue reaching to be better and to feel even greater.
**Also I am totally not a Dr. so none of this is medical advice…
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For me wanting to lose weight came from several places. First, my health. I have sleep apnea, but it only gets bad when I am carrying around 10-20 extra pounds. I end up feeling sluggish, tired, and I know it is bad for my health. I also hit 40 and my Dr. told me I have high cholesterol (hello old people problems!) and since my dad had a massive heart attack several years ago keeping my body in the best shape I can is important to me.
Second, I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. My pants were all too tight, I was constantly trying to conceal a muffin top, and when I looked at pictures of myself I wasn’t happy with what I saw. So I wanted to lose some weight for the same reason I throw on some concealer and mascara most mornings, I like to be happy with what I see when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I just knew I would feel better if I could lose 10 pounds or a few more (I’ve actually lost 13!)
But I am not a fan of diets or trends. I spent $300 on a “cleanse” a couple of years ago and after drinking shakes and eating bland dinners for a month (and giving up coffee!!) I lost a whopping 3 lbs….then I got PMS and found them again.
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My husband, who only ate the dinner I was fixing lost 10 lbs. I might have had a few choice words about this situation.
What I am a fan of is creating some sustainable, simple habits that become second nature and support overall health and well being. Things that can just become part of your lifestyle without major changes but that really help with weight loss and maintenance.
So here are the 5 habits that helped me lose 10 pounds!
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#1- Drinking a ton of water-
This one is huge. Water is so good for you, it helps hydrate your skin, flushes toxins out of your body, keeps your organs functioning well… so many things- don’t believe me? Check out this list.
I aim to drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces every day. So, for example, I weigh 150 lbs and so I try to drink 75 ounces a day. Just take your weight cut it in half and boom, that is how much water you should try to drink. I have a bottle that I carry around all day. I know 4 bottles full is my goal so I aim to drink that before the day is over.
YES, you will PEE… A LOT. This does get better though as your body adjusts to more water. But drinking all that water is good for weight loss because you aren’t consuming calories when you’re thirsty, it helps you feel full and it helps your digestive system work really well.
If you don’t like plain water try a squeeze of lemon or lime to flavor it a little!
#2- 20 minutes of yoga every day –
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I don’t like to exercise. I have a gazelle and a treadmill, my oldest son is in school to be a personal trainer. I have all the access I need to do some serious workouts but I hate it.
All except yoga, which I love. Yoga can help with weight loss because it strengthens your muscles and lean muscle burns more fat. It is also great for stress and lowering your cortisol levels helps reduce fat storage, especially around the belly!
If yoga isn’t your thing aim for 20-30 minutes of some kind of movement each day, walk your dog, jump on the trampoline with your kids, or if you like to hit the gym then, by all means, get going!
#3- Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed –
This one was hard for me because my husband works afternoons. He comes home at midnight and since that is the end of his day he wants a snack. So he grabs chips and salsa or pops some popcorn. It is so easy to grab a handful and snack away!
But stopping eating at least 2 hours before bed is so good for you. Our bodies aren’t meant to be digesting food while we’re trying to sleep so our digestion is sluggish and we actually don’t sleep as well. (You can read more about it here)
Bedtime snacking can be a hard habit to break but once you do you’ll see the benefits pretty quickly!
#4- Cut the sugar out of coffee
I love my coffee. Love, love, love it.
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And I have always been one to put a nice big spoonful of sugar and cream or a tasty flavored creamer in it.
But drinking about 3 cups a day that results in a lot of calories and blood sugar spikes.
So I tried to go to black coffee (yuck!!) I am not a fan of artifical sweeteners so I wasn’t sure what to do. Then I discovered how tasty coconut oil is in coffee.
I know it sounds crazy but if you put a spoonful in your coffee and whip it up (some people use blenders I have a little battery-powered whisk) it gets creamy and frothy, and the coconut oil gives it just a little sweetness. As a bonus thare are great health and weight loss benefits to putting coconut oil in your coffee so it’s a win-win!
#5- Eating more mindfully
I have a giant sweet tooth and very little self-control. If there are cookies in my house I’m probably going to eat them. And like I said before I’ve been known to munch on a midnight snack or two.
So I made it a point to start being mindful about what I’m eating. I look at what I’m about to eat and ask myself it if is really good for me? Is it going to benefit my body? (and sometimes yes I need a chocolate bar)
But just the act of slowing down and thinking about what you are eating, not mindlessly shoveling popcorn in your mouth while you’re watching a movie can really make a difference in how much and what you consume.
So there you have it my friends, simple habits that can help you lose and manage your weight. If you need to lose 10 pounds, a few less or many more, these tips will help! No crazy diets, no trendy shakes, just sustainable steps to integrate into your life that make a big difference!
