Are you having problems losing weight? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people who are dieting have the same difficulty losing weight as you. Whether you’re following a specific weight loss program like Weight Watchers or Nutrisystem, or you’re following your personal weight loss plan, losing weight can be a huge struggle that can feel like an uphill battle. Here are some tips that can help you, no matter what type of program you follow or what your weight loss goals are.
6 things to having trouble losing weight
1. Fill your plate with big food
One of the main difficulties I usually face with dieting is feeling like I can’t eat enough. I looked at my plate and there was almost nothing on it. However, there is a way around this, you can fill your plate with larger meals. Things like vegetables, beans, and brown rice can add bulk to your plate without packing in calories. In addition, these foods are low on the glycemic index and high in fiber, which can keep you feeling full longer.
2. Add exercises to build muscle
Aerobic exercise can help you burn calories, but lifting weights helps you build muscle, which increases your metabolism, which in turn helps you burn more calories even when you’re resting. So instead of taking a 45-minute aerobics class, you can carry weights and spend 5 minutes here and there doing some weight lifting. Muscle building exercises are actually easy to do anywhere and ideal for sitting in front of the TV and for a short break from work. You don’t have to do a 30-minute routine all at once, so whenever you have a 5-minute break, just do a series of exercises – you won’t break a sweat, which is why it’s great for work.
3. Eat dark chocolate
If you’re like me, you probably crave sweets and that could be the main reason why you’re having a hard time losing weight. It’s hard not to give in to this craving, but of course we all know that desserts are full of sugar, fat and calories. However, there is one food that can help improve health as well as eliminate appetite, namely dark chocolate. I’m talking about dark chocolate that actually contains at least 70% cocoa. Tear off a small piece from one of these bars can be very satisfying and you won’t get the high fat and sugar content you would make in a simple candy bar, and dark chocolate is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Be careful not to overeat – all you need is a small portion.
4. Don’t pretend to feel lacking
Most of your losing weight efforts are tied to your thinking. If you feel lost because you can’t eat your favorite food or fill your plate, prepare for failure. You need to change the way you think about food and see it as food for your body, not something you get as a reward for doing it during the day. If you have a tendency to eat emotionally when you’re happy, sad, or bored, rather than overeating, you need to do something else right now that you’re feeling.
5. Use nutritional supplements
Everyone on a diet has their favorite foods they miss, but you don’t have to go without them if you know how to replace them properly. For example, if you like mashed potatoes, make cauliflower puree instead. If you love pizza, make your own whole grain pizza crust with low-fat ingredients – fill it with vegetables and eat cheese so you can eat that pizza and still follow your dietary guidelines. Finding substitutes for your favorite meal is a great way to keep eating the foods you love while continuing to lose weight.
6. Drink flavored water
Are there times when you yearn for something but don’t know what it is? If you’re not really hungry with this craving, your body probably needs water. For those times, you may want to have calorie-free water. They can really help satisfy that craving you get when you’re not really hungry and help keep your body hydrated. The added benefit is that getting enough water in your body will also help promote losing weight.
Losing weight isn’t easy, but if you have a few strategies to help you get through the tough times, it might not be an exciting endeavor. If you are having problems losing weight, try to understand why you are having so many problems and develop strategies that will help you overcome these problems and move forward with your weight loss goals.