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Healthy & Effective Ways for Weight Loss

Few things are as depressing as standing on the scale and watching the numbers creep higher and higher until your only recourse is to grimace. However, losing weight safely and effectively is not rocket science--there are several healthy ways to effectively lose the weight that do not require extensive surgery, painful calisthenics, or excessive self-deprivation. Healthy practices include drinking more water, snacking more appropriately, and walking more miles in a week.

  1. Drink Water

    • The human body is made up of between 55 and 60 percent water, yet most people do not consistently drink enough water to keep their bodies hydrated. By consuming at least eight glasses of water each day, you will feel less hungry and your body will have enough fluids to function at peak performance. This, in turn, limits the cravings that can sometimes occur from mild chronic dehydration--like the urge to grab a can of sugary soda.

    Walk Briskly

    • Although most people walk, most people don't walk enough each day. Walking is a great way to get your heart beating a little faster without taking away from your daily routine. Walking at 4.5 mph burns 0.048 calories per minute per pound of body mass, so a 150-lb man who walks at that pace for 30 minutes per day for a full month will burn an extra 216 calories per day, or 6,480 calories total--and lose nearly two pounds that month in the process.

    Snack Smartly

    • Most people do not snack healthy during the day, which contributes to an uneven metabolism. By taking a healthy snack of almonds or raisins or even a fiber bar and keeping it around to snack on several times a day, will ensure that your metabolism stays running at its optimum performance while lowering your overall feeling of hunger. Controlling the hunger controls your calorie intake since you're less likely to overeat due to hunger pains. This leads to slow but sustained weight loss.

    Tips

    • Combining walking with drinking lots of water and adding healthy snacks to your diet will help you shed unwanted pounds. For accelerated weight loss, and improved cardiopulmunary endurance, consider an aerobic training program. Do not start any serious diet regimen or exercise program without first consulting your doctor.

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