Whether you’re doing it for self-confidence or your health, losing weight can be difficult. Many people find it one of the most difficult things to do in life. However, if you’re not losing weight the way you’d like to, it could be because you’re not using methods that keep weight off in the long term.

Take a look at my tips for losing weight and keeping it off.

Have 3 Meals a Day

There are so many people who try to lose weight by skipping meals. This isn’t healthy and it doesn’t work. All it does is make you tired and hungry. Trust me!

You’re far more likely to want to eat more at the next meal or indulge in sugary snacks in the meantime to keep you going. Be sure to eat all of your meals in the correct portions. Making sure your portions are right for you is a much better way to lose weight.

Stay Active

Losing weight isn’t just about dieting and adjusting portion size; it’s also about being active. One can’t go without the other so it’s vital that you’re exercising every day too. Just a twenty minute walk a day can make a huge difference in your weight loss journey.

If you’re not confident enough to go to the gym or join a class, there are still other things you can do. Walking, swimming, running, and cycling are all great exercises that you can do in your spare time.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are vital for maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re a smoker, drinker, or you use drugs, you’ll probably find it much harder to lose weight. Before tackling your weight loss, it can help to address addictions first.

Some people like to do a “detox.” You can learn more here. For some people, this can help you to lose the weight you’ve always wanted to lose without facing a constant battle.

Read Food Labels

When you’re trying to lose weight, you will have to be conscious of what you’re eating. It can be surprising to find out that certain foods contain far more sugar than anyone would assume. For example, simple cooking sauces can be loaded with sugar.

As you do your shopping for your weekly meals, it can help to read the labels before you purchase. Simply swapping your regular products for a different brand could make a big difference to how much sugar you consume in a week.

Drink Plenty of Water

Did you know that most people confuse thirst for hunger? Drinking more water everyday can help you to curb that feeling and teach you to identify when you’re thirsty and when you’re hungry. If you’re feeling hungry, always drink first and then wait.

You may find that you weren’t as hungry as you initially thought and you can opt for a smaller snack or meal to fill you.

Look Into Alternative Options

There are lots of different myths and ideas for weight loss, so it’s up to you which ones you are willing to try. So far, we have talked through some of the general advice that is given to help you lose weight, but if you have tried all of these and those pounds just won’t shift, what then? Some people swear by drinking green tea to boost weight loss for example. Other people have had semaglutide injections and have found this to be massively effective for their overall weight loss. You just need to try different things and work out what is best for your body here.

Always follow tips that have your health at the forefront so you aren’t left feeling unwell and making little progress. If you need to, get advice from a medical professional before you start dieting.