Everyone knows a plethora of weight loss tips. This may include cutting out sugar, counting calories, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, or going jogging. There are even cosmetic procedures and weight loss supplements to assist one in dropping pounds.

Unfortunately, many deem different ways of losing weight time-consuming, expensive, difficult, or even boring. Sometimes, those who have tried different diets or exercise routines may have failed to lose the weight they want. So, what’s next? On the bright side, there are several weight loss suggestions you may not know about.

7. Avoiding product that claims “zero sugar” or “zero calories”

Losing weight for some means going for food and beverages that claim to offer zero sugar or zero calories. Unless you’re drinking water, the claims behind these aren’t as healthy as they may sound. That said, don’t be fooled by these labels.

The issue with “zero calories” is that while it may have that claim, the brain isn’t fooled. As for “zero sugar,” this often means there is a sugar replacement, especially one that is not natural. In fact, one study showed that artificial sweeteners are no safer than traditional sugar. But the label “no added sugar” often is the one you want.

6. Fidgeting around

What types of weight loss exercises can you think of on the top of your head? Running, push-ups, weight-lifting, swimming, biking, and sit-ups. One interesting way to lose weight is to fidget. However, in school and sometimes at home, we are often told not to fidget. It’s seen in the negative light as it is distracting and makes us look nervous.

But fidgeting can be one way to drop a few pounds over time. This doesn’t mean constantly shifting in your chair. Rather this means tapping your foot or shaking your leg while you’re sitting at work or school. This does not have to be consistent, however, but getting your body moving whenever you can, can be a great thing.

5. Meditating

Apart from diet and exercise, what is another common method of weight loss? Weight loss pills.

People often consider these pills when they

1. aren’t willing to change their diet, and

2. don’t like working out.

But there is a way to lose weight without it being strenuous: meditation.

Meditation doesn’t per say help eliminate pounds on its own. However, what it does do is reduce stress. With less stress, you can drop weight easier, and you’ll be less likely to overeat or turn to comfort foods. A 2009 study even discussed the correlation between stress and weight gain. Your emotions alone can have an impact on your physical self.

4. Consuming protein in the morning

Research found that younger adults are more likely to skip out on eating something in the morning than older adults. Unfortunately, younger men are known to skip breakfast the most, in fact, over a quarter of them. But not only is consuming breakfast, the most important meal of the day important, but consuming protein when you wake up.

Proteins such as meats, fish, eggs, and cheese require more chewing effort than many non-protein counterparts. Getting your chewing going, especially toward the beginning of the day, can boost the metabolism. Not to mention, protein is an integral part of the weight loss process. A study even proved the benefits of protein in losing weight.

3. Napping

When trying to lose weight, we often think that staying active is the only way to get the job done. Maybe you usually sleep 10 hours but try to get 8 hours instead, so you can be more active. But actually, sleeping more or napping mid-day can be important for losing more weight. Many don’t realize that weight gain is one result from sleep deprivation.

When we have enough sleep, our leptin and ghrelin levels, two important hormones, are best regulated. Leptin tells our brain when we are full while ghrelin tells us when we are hungry. However, when not well-rested, our leptin is lower, and our ghrelin is higher. In turn, this can make us feel less full and hungry for more, more often.

Additionally, sleep is important for weight loss and general organ function as this is when the body heals itself. Plus, sleep deprivation can leave us feeling drained and moody: definitely not the moods for working out or eating healthy.

2. Eating more pickles

Have you ever heard of pickles for helping with the weight loss process? Maybe not. Pickles, not excluded to just pickled cucumbers but also other vegetables, are excellent for those hoping to drop some pounds. Acetic acid, a component of vinegar, is believed to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and reduce fat formation.

But if you’re hoping to reduce your sodium intake, beware that many pickled items are made with lots of salt. Consider trying pickled jalapeños, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled radishes and carrots, and pickled onions. Consume these foods alone or on other foods such as tacos, sandwiches, meats, or even salads.

1. Dimming the lights and putting on slow music

This uncommon weight loss suggestion won’t directly affect your weight, but it can affect how quickly you eat. If you tend to gorge at the table, dim the lights and play slow, soft music. Doing this will psychologically make you slow down with your eating and chew your food more carefully.

As a result, your brain will have time to register that you’re full at the right time. But the faster you eat, the more you can consume before your brain knows you’re full. Plus, with slower, more careful chewing, you can burn more calories by doing this alone.

Instead of dimming the lights and playing slow music, holding a family dinner conversation is another great alternative. Chatting at the table reduces the chances of eating too quickly as they will be in the middle of conversing.

Conclusion

From meditating to reduce stress, to taking more naps, there are some interesting ways out there to lose extra weight. That said, there is a weight loss method out there for everybody. While many enjoy eating healthier or consuming healthy foods, sometimes these weight loss methods just aren’t exciting or even effective.

When planning to lose weight, find and do what makes you happy. Maybe you’ll even get more creative than the items in this article. Perhaps you’ll dance around while watching television or eat on plates with unappetizing colors. Despite what you do, ensure it is something that helps — not hinders your health — and that you stick with it.

shawnclark713

Writing since September 2018 · 1 story contributed