There is a myth that says losing weight has to be difficult.
Our culture tells us that eating healthy is expensive and takes too much planning. On the other hand, the market is full of terrible food that is cheap and very easily accessible.
In reality, there is no secret fad, diet or “magic” way to lose weight. The answer is simple – be intentional with your life and your food choices. But how should you actually do that? Here are 7 tips to get your weight loss journey on the right track:
1. Read labels!
Determine the difference between real and fake foods.
Raw vegetables, nuts & seeds, ancient grains and healthy fats should make up the bulk of your diet. Fake foods are basically anything processed. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients – it’s probably “fake food!”
2. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard.
When you are intentionally buying real ingredients, putting good meals together for your family can be simple. Meal planning, crock pots, and salads can be your best friends when you want simple weight loss ideas.
3. Don’t listen to media and marketing.
The advertising firms and media outlets do not really care about you or your health.
They care about product sales and beating out their competition. For example, certain cereals claim to lower your cholesterol, when actually they’re full of sugar – which turns to fat inside your body, increasing your cholesterol. If the label says ‘low fat’ or ‘fat free’ that often means it’s high in sugar.
4. Avoid Inflammatory foods
Our nation is at an all time high in terms of inflammatory diseases.
Avoiding foods that cause gut inflammation can help prevent conditions like acid reflux, leaky gut, diabetes and any number of other health problems.
Inflammatory foods such as dairy, gluten, sugar, corn, bread, pasta, rice and potatoes all turn to sugar and can lead to glucotoxicity (high sugar levels) in the body. Too much animal protein can cause inflammation as well.
Good quality, organic, grass-fed beef (when consumed in moderation) is fine – but moderation when consuming animal protein is important for your gut health.
5. “Organic” & “Gluten Free” labels don’t always mean healthy.
Again, check those labels!
Candy is technically ‘gluten free’ and sometimes ‘fat free,’ but are you unintentionally eating “candy” foods at every meal?
6. Pile on the Veggies with a side of fat!
A diet full of non-starchy vegetables keeps you full longer – which results in less snacking and, eventually, weight loss.
Healthy fats also keep you feeling full and satisfied when eaten in moderation. Snack on celery and nuts when you have cravings, then eat a large salad for dinner!
7. Reduce your stress!
Have you cleaned up your diet, but find you still aren’t losing weight?
Stress may be the culprit. You may not always be aware of feeling stressed, but we all suffer from any number of stressors all day, everyday. Great ways to combat stress include getting plenty of sleep, meditation, physical activity & exercise, being in community with others, and keeping an eye on your mental health.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your health. When you are intentional and determined to put your health first, it’s actually very simple to be healthy.
Your whole body health is key to weight loss. Diet and stress management can seem overwhelming, but things don’t have to be that way. Combining real food with self care, and (as needed) professional help, can get you feeling the best you have in years!
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