It doesn’t matter where you fall on the spectrum, unless you’re a mass-gaining, body-building junkie, we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t mind losing a few of those stubborn pounds. Shedding some excess adipose has a plethora of benefits. It significantly decreases your chances of developing heart problems, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Studies show that being overweight is even a risk factor for some kinds of cancer. Having a suitable BMI has a causal relationship with a higher quality of life. And let’s not forget the aesthetics. Face it, everyone looks better with a trim toned physique, we’re not endorsing size-zero models, but its undeniable that people look their best when at a healthy BMI. Burning off those last few pounds will make your facial structure more defined and give you that chiseled look.
Let’s jump straight into it. What simple habits can you get into to lose off a few kg and expedite your metabolism?
1. Drink More Water
Water will fill up your stomach faster. Dieticians recommend 8-10 glasses a day, evenly spaced, and for good reason! Water goes a long way in kick-starting your metabolism, allowing you to burn off fat at a faster rate. Always go for water over soft drinks. The latter are loaded with sugar and various chemicals that pollute your body.
2. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting is a tried-and-tested method to get the body you deserve. It involves abstaining from food for a pre-determined amount of time (usually 12-20 hours), although beginners usually start with shorter fasts. This technique will force your body to churn out cortisol that results in lipolysis – fat breakdown. Empirical evidence shows that it is highly effective. You could lose up to 2 pounds a week if you practice this regularly.
3. Low-carb Diet
The next best thing after Intermittent Fasting is a low-carb diet. This would come to around 75g of carbs a day, max. Lay off the processed carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, cakes, biscuits and sodas. Stock up on protein rich foods.
4. Avoid Junkies
Keep junk food items out of the house. Out of sight really is out of mind. If you play strong while at the grocery store and hold back while your motivation is high, it’ll help in the long run when you get up in the middle of the night (when your motivation is invariably low), and all you can find is broccoli and Greek yogurt.
5. Snack Smart
This is a shoot-off from the last point. Fill your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks like fresh fruits and berries, and nuts.
6. A Brisk Morning Walk
Taking a brisk stroll early in the morning has a multiplicity of benefits. Your cortisol levels are higher in the morning, so walking before breakfast will help you burn more fat than any other time of day. In addition, this habit will train you to become an early-riser as well as clear your head for an awesome and productive day.
7. Sip Green Tea
Drink a few cups of green tea every day. It’s a proven method to jumpstart your metabolic process and burn fat with minimal effort.
8. Indulge into the Dark Fantasy
If you’re into chocolate, consider switching from snickers and bounty to dark chocolate, again, this is an agent that speeds up your metabolism.
9. Portion Control
Use smaller plates and bowls. It’s an optical illusion to make you think you’re eating more, when in reality, the opposite is happening.
10. Hit the HIIT
As far as fitness is concerned, the best thing you can do for yourself is high-intensity-interval training. It involves rapid intervals of high and low energy workouts, it’s the perfect mechanism for shocking your body into fat burning mode.
These are some of the most cutting-edge and efficacious weight-loss hacks out there. Implementing them in your life will allow you to achieve a degree of health and personal fitness you never thought possible.