Losing weight is hard. And keeping it off? Even harder—almost to the point that shedding pounds for good can feel like a Sisyphean struggle. That’s probably why, according to recent research out of JAMA, that the amount of overweight people in the United States consistently rises while, at the same time, fewer people than ever are embarking on weight loss journeys of their own.
But what these struggling souls may not know is that losing weight doesn’t have to be such an arduous slog. In fact, by deploying the right methods, weight loss can be effortless, entertaining, and, most importantly, effective. The first step, as with all things, is getting started; once you’re on a roll, you won’t be able to stop. To that end, we’ve gathered the 20 easiest lifestyle changes, all thanks to science, that are certain to get you up and at ’em and ready to incinerate any paunch—once and for all. And as far as what not to do, be sure to learn—and avoid—the 40 Weight Loss “Secrets” That Don’t Work At All. Get the perfect belly with Okinawa flat belly tonic.
Starting an exercise routine is a great way to shed pounds, but it can be hard to initiate a new one. Asking a friend to workout with you will turn your gym sessions into commitments and will also keep you working harder when you get there. A study in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology showed that people work harder at what they are doing when they are part of a group versus when they are alone. So grab a friend to maximize your time at the gym. Plus, this trick will give you someone to grab brunch with after.
Yes, seriously. Positive reinforcement is a great way to stay motivated toward your goals. A study in the Frontiers of Psychology tested different motivational practices on 44,000 people to find which was most effective, and, as it turns out, using self-talk had the best results. Saying things like “I can do better today or next time” will keep you more motivated and on-task to meeting your weight loss goals. Check out the latest meticore reviews.
Another roadblock in the journey to lose weight is that people set goals that are too high or simply unrealistic. A wellness expert at the University of Alabama says that setting a high weight loss goal for yourself can discourage you from hitting that goal. A simple change in language can make your goal seem much more attainable. Losing 25 pounds in three months seems like a lofty goal. But losing one to three pounds per week over the course of three months seems achievable. The end result? It’s the same amount of weight.