No More Excuses: 4 Small Changes to Make in Your Life for Weight Loss

Many people around the world struggle with weight loss. It's a common problem that is more complex than it seems, as different approaches work better for different people. If weight loss is one of your goals, making these four small changes to your lifestyle can deliver results over time.

Incremental Increases In Exercise

Beginning a new exercise routine can be daunting and difficult to maintain, which is why many people attempt to start one only to fail later. The secrets to success are to not overdo it and to find ways of exercising that you enjoy. For example, playing a sport is a fun way to exercise. When it comes to workout routines, start small and gradually increase intensity and duration to experience the best possible outcome.

Drink More Water And Fewer Sugary Drinks

Sugar is increasingly viewed as a significant culprit in weight gain and retention. Plain water, on the other hand, has significant health benefits without the added calories. It improves mental cognition, organ function, blood pressure and, yes, weight loss. The simple change of reducing the amount of sugary drinks you consume and replacing them with water is almost guaranteed to help you shed at least some pounds.

Eat A More Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet that contains reasonable portions of grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy is another small change you can make to help control your weight. You will feel full longer and be less tempted to snack, therefore consuming fewer calories. Most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables especially, so these are areas to focus on. Another diet-related change that can help includes eating several small meals a day instead of fewer big ones.

Substitute Healthier Choices

A final small change you can make is to replace things like salad dressings, dairy products, mayonnaise and snack foods with lighter alternatives. This can include low-fat or no sugar added products. You can substitute things like carrots, hummus or whole grain breads as well. In some cases you might not be able to taste the difference or even prefer the healthy alternative, which can be a great boon to your weight loss strategy. Enlisting a doctor to help can be an excellent option for crafting a diet plan that works for you.

Losing weight can seem an insurmountable challenge, but it's important to remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint. Small changes are much easier and more sustainable to make than larger shifts, so it is smart to employ them wherever possible. Over time, the odds are good that you will start to see results.