Weight loss is always a common topic in society. With obesity at record levels, finding the healthiest and safest way to lose weight has never been so important. Unfortunately in previous years, society has found a way of idolizing the most dangerous forms of weight loss, demonstrated by supermodels and celebrities. These methods such as eating one meal a day, and purging food after meals have led to serious health conditions for the people who developed habits with these methods. There is a safe way to lose weight. A method that has worked for others may not work for you, and this can be simply due to generics and also the quality of food that is being factored into your diet. No matter which method you choose to follow, make sure you do it with your doctor’s approval and also do your research into how to tailor this lifestyle change to fit within your realistic expectations. 

Determine your why

First things first, before you start rushing to drop some pounds, you need to determine your why. The reason why you want to lose weight is often the thing that will keep your perseverance up when you are tempted to go off track. If you are losing weight to reduce the effects of chronic illness, write this on a post-it note and place it somewhere you will visit every day, for example, the fridge would be a good place. This will remind you why you are making these changes and sacrifices. Taking action with a purpose is the best way to make a permanent change. 

Steps you can take 

Now you have established your why, consider the action you can take today to lose weight in the safest way possible:

Eat whole, nutritious foods 

When it comes to losing weight, your nutrition takes up 80% of the overall process. As much as people do not wish to hear it, you need to reflect on your diet and make necessary changes to improve your nutritious intake. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be a large portion of your daily diet. The components of these fresh and organic foods are proven to speed up our metabolism, which ultimately supports digestion and weight loss. It also leaves us feeling much more energized, as you will be replacing the highly processed foods with slow-releasing, wholemeal carbs and organic sugars. 

Increase your protein

Speaking of diet, protein also needs to be increased in your diet if you are trying to lose weight. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, and muscle mass is essential for our overall body composition. Protein is also amazing at supporting weight control, as the more muscle you have, the more fat you can burn during HIIT and other forms of exercise that require muscle. If you are engaging in weight training during your weight loss journey, having enough protein in your diet is essential if you wish to appear lean whilst also dropping the pounds. 

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Count your calories 

Calorie counting is one of the most effective ways of dropping weight. The basic premise of dropping weight is to burn fewer calories than you consume, meaning if you burn 1500 calories during the day, you need to eat fewer calories. Before you consider calorie counting, always be safe and educated. You need to eat less than your maintenance calories, and this level is different for each person. Work out your maintenance calories first, and then shave off 100 calories per day.  The amount of exercise you do will also manipulate the amount of calories you can eat, as you need to be able to fuel your workouts. Speak with a doctor or a medical consultant before you make any major lifestyle changes.

Drink strictly water 

Drinking water is also proven to encourage weight loss. A hydrated body is much more likely to support weight loss, and it is also a great way to cut out unnecessary sugar from your diet. Fizzy and sugary drinks are a common culprit for causing people to fall off their diet. Swapping this for water is recommended, especially for people who need to keep their blood sugar down. 

Move as much as possible 

Move as much as possible when you are trying to lose weight. Exercise is another non-negotiable part of weight loss, and should be taken seriously. Even as we get older and our physical exercise decreases, there is no excuse for not getting a sufficient level of exercise each day. Whether that be a simple stroll in the evening, or perhaps a group workout class, there is always reason to be moving. We are much more likely to develop chronic illnesses with a lack of exercise within our routine. It is also recommended for patients who are undergoing some form of surgery, as making sure the respiratory system is healthy for invasive treatments is important. 

Bottom Line

Overall, losing weight first starts with establishing your why. Are you trying to improve your fitness levels? Or do you need to lose weight to qualify for medical surgeries such as breast augmentations in Manchester? Having a healthy BMI throughout life is key for everyone, no matter your circumstances. Reduce your ca;roie intake, eat nutritious foods, and drink more water if you wish to improve your weight management.