10 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting

Losing weight is a process that requires time and patience. Nowadays, people are looking for the quickest and easiest way to shed unwanted pounds. However, these hasty methods are usually not the healthiest. Committing to a strict diet may lead to severe temptation and even overindulgence. As a result, the safest and most effective way to lose weight is by making lifestyle changes.

Increase Water Consumption

• Thirst may at times be mistaken for hunger and lead to snacking or overeating during meals. Ensuring that you are hydrated is a positive step towards dropping pounds. The recommended daily intake of water is eight 8-ounce glasses of water. In addition to reaching that goal, try to drink a glass of water prior to eating dinner and sip on water throughout the meal, rather than washing down your food once you are satiated.

Portion Control

• The first step to controlling your portions is to educate yourself about how much you should actually be eating. The Food Guide Pyramid is a valuable tool to use for figuring out real serving sizes.

  While the aforementioned is an important step, you can also start right now by eating off of smaller plates. You will likely consume more food than necessary when you have a large, empty plate to fill. Consciously cut back on how much you take and place it on a smaller plate so you do not feel the urge to fill empty space.

Eat Slowly

• If you are focused on shoveling food in your mouth rather than taking the time to chew slowly and enjoy your food, your body does not have enough time to signal that you have had enough. Focus on putting your fork down between bites, chew your food thoroughly and swallow before you pick it up again.

Recognize When Enough is Enough

• When you are through with a meal you should not feel completely stuffed. You should learn to recognize when you have had enough and are no longer hungry, rather than eating until you cannot handle anymore. The result is a feeling of comfort and satisfaction; you have recharged and given your body what it needs.

Avoid Processed Foods

• Processed foods, even those claiming to be healthy, are loaded with sugar, salt and chemicals that can hinder weight loss, and are generally unhealthy. Keep your cupboards and refrigerator stocked with healthy convenience foods such as nuts, berries and cheeses. Also, prepare all your meals with fresh meat, vegetables and fruit.

  Processed food can make you feel sluggish and deplete any energy you would normally use for daily exercise. Eating fresh foods will refresh and enliven you, resulting in more activity and steps towards your weight loss goal.

Eat Meals in the Kitchen

• Of course it is not always possible for you to eat in the kitchen. However, you should never find yourself eating a meal in the car, in front of the television or even at your desk while you are working. These locations are occasionally unavoidable when you need a snack (a healthy one, of course), but you should always take the time to eat a meal at a table with family, friends or even alone. Eating in a distracting setting can lead to overeating.

Increase Movement

• While a normal exercise routine is an obvious route to weight loss, merely increasing your movement during your daily tasks is also important. Buy yourself a pedometer and aim to increase the steps you take each day. Also, make sure you are not taking an elevator or escalator when stairs are an option. If you have children, get outside and throw a ball around with them or play a game of tag. Increasing your movement and activity level helps keep you away from a sedentary lifestyle.

Enlist a Friend

• You are more likely to succeed at your efforts with a support system. Attempt to bring someone close to you on board with the positive changes. If there is someone for you to call when you are feeling weak or to push you to go for a walk, you are more likely to stay on track.

Sleep

• If you do not get enough sleep, there is the potential to fall short on all the previous steps. If you are feeling overtired or exhausted, you are more likely to make poor food choices and to cease your extra activities. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Get enough sleep to feel refreshed and ready to make good nutritional and health decisions throughout the day.

Have a Positive Attitude

• If you are dreading these lifestyle changes, you will most likely not be able to maintain them. Do not view these as a chore but as a positive step towards becoming healthier. The word "diet" has a negative undertone so do not refer to your efforts in that manner. Maintain all discussion about your changes in an upbeat manner and don't complain.