How to Lose Weight the Natural and Healthy Way

There are common misconceptions that the media portrays today about recommended strategies to lose weight and achieve a positive body image. The best method, though, is to approach the effort in an all-natural manner that will promote a healthier metabolism.

The Problem with Diets

The problem with diets is quite simple. It's estimated that nine in ten diets fail to achieve results. Most of the diets out there constrict caloric intake so much that the person dieting experiences a slowed metabolism. Their entire body bogs down, thus slowing down the weight loss process and leaving the hungry dieter with no energy to exercise.

Cut the Chemicals

Processed foods are loaded with empty calories. A person who eats a diet full of processed foods tends to consume at least 500 more calories per day than a person who does not partake of them. Not only does consuming processed foods leave you hungry, but you're also filling your body with sugars, salts and starches and failing to get much nutritional value from what you're eating.

Don't Neglect the Basics

Sleep is incredibly important to your body weight, and most of us don't realize this. People who are sleep-deprived tend to have an increase in the hunger hormone causing them to eat. They simultaneously lack leptin, the hormone that tells them they are full, and this causes them to overeat. When an insomniac eats a lot at night and then lies down immediately afterward, those calories tend to just turn into fat because there is no activity after consuming the food. Hydration is also of utmost importance. If you keep your body hydrated, your digestive system will eliminate fats from your diet properly. To help you remember to hydrate, you can keep a reusable water bottle by you at work and by your bed to remind you to drink more water. The most important factor in the basics is physical movement. Exercise is vital, so don't neglect it. If you are experiencing health difficulties, there are still many resources to get you started. You can even exercise from a seated position.

The journey to weight loss and positive body image can be discouraging at times. Be your own cheerleader. Celebrate your small victories. If you set benchmark goals on your way to the ultimate victory, you will feel encouraged to keep moving on. Buy yourself a pair of jeans every time you drop two pant sizes. Purchase that outfit you never thought you would fit into. Dare yourself to step out of your comfort zone and find your own new healthy place of comfort.