Easy Weight Loss Strategies

The No-Diet Strategy

Anyone on a diet knows that depriving oneself does not work for long. You may be able to forgo that cupcake for a time, but cravings are hard to resist in the end. What's more, a diet based on deprivation is difficult to sustain over time.

Many weight loss professionals recommend thinking about ways you can add healthier options to your plate rather than focusing on what you need to remove. Decide to add more fruits and vegetables to your meals, and let that be the guiding principle for how you eat. If you put the focus on getting at least two vegetables at each meal, there's less attention that goes towards macaroni and cheese. In this way, you can still enjoy smaller quantities of high-calorie food items while gradually adjusting to healthier options. In time, your body will feel sated and your cravings for chocolate or pasta could even disappear.

Exercise Strategies

It's helpful to use the same approach to thinking about exercise. If the thought of going to the gym gives you stress, consider other forms of exercise that fit more easily into your day. Rather than getting on the elevator, take the stairs. Park in the last parking spot at work. Take a short walk during lunch. Find fun activities that pump you up and don't feel like exercise at all. Dancing, bowling, and even power walking at the mall are all great ways to burn calories painlessly.

Restaurant Strategies

Considering extra large restaurant portions these days, going out to eat can blow a sensible eating plan before you know it. The next time you enjoy a meal at a restaurant, order what you want, but share it with a friend. Another option is to bring along your own take-out container. When the food arrives, immediately portion it in half and take it home. If it's not on your plate, you're not going to eat it.

Another tip is to eat a piece of fruit before you go out to eat. Apples in particular are a good source of fiber, which cuts cravings and fills you up. If you're slightly fuller at the restaurant, you're more likely to skip the appetizer or the bread basket and wait for your entree.

Other Strategies

In addition, look for ways you can take the emphasis off eating in general. If you tend to snack in the evening while watching TV, change up your schedule so that you go on a short walk around your neighborhood or call a friend instead. On busy weeknights, plan simple meals ahead of time that can be heated up fast. You'll be less likely to pick up junk food on the way home or snack while you're cooking.