A diet is eating in a caloric deficit that typically results in fat loss. Which is why most of us diet in the first place, but it also results in hunger, which is really not fun.
And if you succumb to hunger, and eat more, you may no longer be in a deficit, and you won’t lose weight. But, luckily for you, there are some tricks and tips that can help you in losing weight, and even to make your diet a lot easier:
1. Eat healthy fats
We often hear people say things like ‘you have to avoid fat to lose weight.’ This is not true, and in fact, healthy fats have many important roles in our body. They also help you to feel more satisfied, keep the hunger away, and decrease the risk for overeating. Things like coconut oil, avocado, almonds, fish oil, and lots more are great choices.
2. Drink enough water
You should start each morning with a full glass of water before eating anything, and try to stay hydrated through the day. Some people can’t distinguish between hunger and thirst, and since water contains no calories, try that first! Plus, being hydrated is very important for many processes in our body. Foods with high water content, like soups, salads, cucumbers and watermelon, will help you feel satisfied on fewer calories.
3. Focus on adding food, not taking food away
It’s so easy to feel deprived, especially when all you do is think about the foods what you cannot eat. So look for foods that have lower calories, high protein, or a macronutrient profile that will fit well. There are numerous foods out there you can add that will fit well, you just have to read labels and select the right ones.
4. Eat at home
Do not get hungry. When you allow yourself to feel hunger for a longer time, you will often binge, because your blood-sugar levels are so low that your body will want instant sugar or refined flour. When you are starving, you are more likely to indulge in cake or donuts. So eat snacks throughout the whole day, or small meals, so that you never feel a big hunger.
5. Plan for the occasional treat
When feeling deprived, even if you are consuming plenty of calories, can trigger overeating. And making any food forbidden just increases its allure. So savor a small treat that won’t break your effort! A half cup of (non-premium) ice cream clock in at max.150 calories or two squares of dark chocolate can help.
6. Choose foods you love
This is really important. If you hate eating salads, do not make salads the main food in your new diet. Everyone likes different foods. Do not eat foods just because they are good for you, but eat them because they’re healthy and you love them. Find the foods you like that are healthy, and you will stick with the diet much longer.
7. Don’t forget to exercise
You do not have to spend tons of time exercising, but you can’t ignore physical activity because you have chosen a healthier diet. Just as with your diet, you should have an exercise routine that you can sustain, grow with, and even enjoy. Same as with all health goals, you cannot achieve them overnight. Focus on to better your physical health and wellness with every step, and the rest will come.