Sometimes we get caught up in wanting to lose weight, dieting and just not paying attention that we miss out on some completely “duh” things that will help us to lose weight.  I’ve come up with 5 Common Sense Ways To Lose Weight.  And they are small enough changes that you won’t really see a difference.

Let’s look at what they are.

Water

Yep, one of the most popular things you can do.  You are supposed to drink 1/2 your weight in ounces of water.  I’m currently 140, so I need 70 ounces, but I go above and beyond because I know the importance of water.  I don’t want to hear that you don’t like the taste of it.  If you want to lose weight and you want your body to be properly hydrated you would drink water.

A great idea would be to drink at least 8oz of water  before every meal and that will help to fill you up.

 Protein

People go on so called diets ALL the time.  If you want to lose weight and keep it off and build muscle, you need to have protein.  Most people need 2/3s of their weight in protein.  For example, I am 140lbs so I would need around 85-125 grams of protein  every day.  When you increase your protein the weight comes off.  It’s so easy to add protein in your meals. Simple things such as beans, chicken and Quinoa have protein and they taste good too.

Honestly, I didn’t know this before I started my weight loss journey and protein is so important for your body and your hair (I just researched this, its crazy what protein does for your hair) and for your weight loss.  If you’re interested in shakes that taste like cake and you want someone who will hold you accountable, order my shakes.  I’m looking to help people, coach them by helping them pick out meals and motivating you to workout.  Please feel free to message me or order and I will help you through each step of the way.

Buddy Up

Yep, this so easy and it does not have to be someone who lives close to you. One of my best friends and I used to do weekly Skype sessions to talk about business and how we were doing, what we wanted to better and our game plans.  You can do the same thing with fitness. You can talk about the foods you are eating, give each other recipe ideas, motivation or a kick in the butt (of course, not literally) if you need that too.

When you hold yourself accountable and you have someone to hold yourself and themselves accountable it increases your chances of losing weight. Buddy up and lose the weight.

Eat Veggies First

So what I do with my kids is I give them their veggies first and as long as they eat at least half of them, then they  can get the “good stuff” as my son calls the chicken or other things that I make.  If you eat your veggies first you eat less of the carbs and it fills you up faster which then helps to reduce the calories you eat.  You should try it once and see the difference.

Eat ONLY When Your Stomach Is Growling

I was reading a book or I saw it on TV, either way, it talked about the difference between emotional eating and actual hunger.  When you are actually hungry its coming from your belly, you hear the growls, you know it.  However, if you just think, “Awww, I’m craving something or I want this” that is not actual hunger, that is you trying to fill an emotion whether its happiness, boredom, tired or whatever you are feeling at that time.  Now that you have read this, really take the time to think about it.  I noticed that I was eating junk food when I wasn’t hungry only because I “thought” I needed it.

Bonus Common Sense Ways to Shed The Pounds

• Do at least 45 minutes of cardio every day.  Studies show that anything above and beyond 30 minutes will help you lose weight (30 minutes is just to maintain).  Take a walk around your block, turn on your tunes and just rock it out
• Decrease TV time.  When you are sitting and doing nothing that is when you are hungriest because you’re bored and not keeping yourself engaged. Studies have shown when you watch TV less you tend to eat less too.
• Stop eating after dinner.  If you are still hungry after dinner drink water, otherwise shut down the kitchen.   If you “absolutely” must eat, choose fruits and veggies so it fills you up so you aren’t going back to the snack cabinet.

These are just a few things that can help you lose weight and they are all pretty common sense.  Share with me what things you do to help aid in your weight loss or management.  I would love to create a list of things and maybe even turn it in to a free PDF for readers.

Also, I’m building up my Facebook fanpage, I would love for you to come over and check out some of the motivational and informational articles I post.