Losing weight and getting into shape is often relatively easy at first. Taking regular exercise and controlling calorie consumption can deliver relatively quick results during the first two or three weeks of a health and fitness plan. Unfortunately, weight loss often plateaus – and that can leave people feeling de-motivated and ready to quit.

If your weight loss has ground to a halt, don’t lose faith. There are five simple strategies you can adopt that will accelerate the rate at which you burn fat and leave you with boundless energy.

1. Snack more

While this may sound counterintuitive, it is true that eating little and often throughout the day will help you to lose weight more quickly. This is because snacking on the right foods will ensure you never succumb to hunger pangs.

People who are exceptionally hungry at meal times are far more likely to overeat than those who aren’t. If you starve yourself before your meal, it might take more calories before you feel satisfied. And if that’s not bad enough, you’re far more likely to eat quickly when you’re exceptionally hungry – which can also lead to overeating.

It’s a good idea to keep fruit, almonds, low-fat cheese, whole wheat crackers and raw vegetables at hand for snacking. These foods will stave off hunger pangs without piling on the calories.

2. Increase the intensity of resistance training

Many people believe that resistance training is only for people who want to build muscle. However, there is a clear added benefit to increasing your muscle mass. Regular weight training will grow your muscles and give your metabolism a boost, which should increase the rate at which you lose weight. 

3. Get more sleep

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding sleep is that it slows the metabolism. However, research has shown that sleeping actually increases the rate at which the body burns calories. Indeed, your body will be burning fat at its quickest rate whilst sedentary during the morning, which is why eating breakfast is so important.

A lack of sleep can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol. People crave foods when they’re stressed, so ensuring you get enough sleep every night is essential. Quality rest should be an integral part of all weight loss plans, which is why a sleeping tracker can be just as useful as a treadmill. Identifying when you’re waking up through the night will enable you to make the necessary changes for unbroken sleep.

4. Stop eating passively

While your boss might think that working through your lunch break is admirable, you’re probably consuming more calories than you need to because of your passive approach to eating. When you sit down to food, make sure it has your full attention. This way, you will know exactly how much you’re eating and when you’re full. You’ll also be able to fully savor what you eat.

 5. Drink lots of tea

Drinking eight to ten glasses of water every day is not easy, but sipping on tea is a far more enjoyable way of staying hydrated. Herb, black or green tea contains antioxidants that can aid weight loss. There is also evidence to suggest that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce your chances of developing certain types of cancer. And if you’re drinking tea throughout the day, you’re less likely to be sipping on sugary sodas.

Implementing one or all of these strategies could significantly speed up the weight loss process. But unless you pursue a lifestyle you enjoy, it’s very unlikely that you will be able maintain a healthy weight in the long run.

Honestly yours,
Alice

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