What are the best ways to lose weight?
For me it was never about being on a ‘diet’. My intention was to make a lifestyle change and behold, a 15kg loss in 15 weeks!
1. Mindset! Get yourself out of the “diet” mindset; it’s not sustainable for the long-haul!
2. Be in a calorie deficit. Believe it or not, we all lose over 1,000 calories every day, doing nothing. This is known as your BMR. My BMR is 1,482, meaning if I consume 1,500 calories, I’ll still be at a deficit with exercise included.
3. This doesn’t mean eating fried chicken every day, you have to be smart. Choose healthier options, and satisfy your cravings if need be to avoid falling into binge behaviour. There is no need to restrict what you eat. You can eat anything, in moderation!
4. Water, water, water! I cannot stress to you enough how important water is. When you drink less water, you are retaining water weight, however when you drink more, that is helping you burn calories faster. I drink 3.5 liters a day.
5. Exercise — you don’t need to spend £20 a month on a gym membership. The majority of my weight loss happened with calisthenic exercises in my bedroom. Skipping, walking and jogging for 90 minutes a day has been incredibly helpful in the latter part of my journey.
6. I drink a cup of green tea a day, two on a good day. This helps to speed your metabolism, and helps burn fat.
7. Your old clothes are your biggest indicator of your weight loss. Whilst the scale may say you haven’t lost weight, remember that deep into your journey, your body will begin to build muscle. This is heavier than fat.
8. Sleep is super important.
9. Consistency is key! If you do great one day, and stop the next, you can’t expect to see results, but that shouldn’t demotivate you. Tomorrow is a new day and you’re the one in control of your body. If you want change, try again until you succeed!
Losing weight is not a sprint, it’s a slow jog. It’s rewarding to see results but there will be moments when you feel like giving up. During my early days, I cried at the thought of having to put in hard work. I wept, questioned the possibility – “By September will I have lost weight?” I was doubtful due to my past failure, the failure which in hindsight stemmed from impatience and inconsistency.
Truth is, there is no short-cut. There’s no herbal remedy, or diet that can help you maintain your figure. You have to put in the time, dedication and motivation, make a lifestyle change!
Here I am today at a healthy 61kg with only 1kg until I reach my goal.
My two hour morning treks are by far the best part of my day; refreshing, adventurous and a big “fuck you” to the demons who used to gnaw at my brain. I love that I can eat whatever I like so long as it’s in moderation.
For sure, the best life decision I’ve made!
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