Unique Approaches to Weight Loss: Thinking Outside the Box

When it pertains to weight loss, the fact of the matter is that it is most commonly expressed as a balancing equation: Calories Burned - Calories Consumed. However, this common perspective is often tedious and vexing. In an effort to ensure that your weight loss endeavors avoid being completely abysmal, consider the following strategies that take a different approach.

1. Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is the act of simply being present while you are eating. Rather than mindlessly sitting in front of the TV or simply zoning out while eating, try to notice everything associated with the food you are consuming; taste, texture, aroma, etc. Chew slowly and place your fork down between bites. In this instance, mindful eating can enhance the dining experience by recollecting all of the sensory pieces related to the meal, while also potentially decreasing portion size, and also digestion as it can lead to a greater connection to true hunger in your body.

2. Let the Fun Emerge

Who said that exercise had to suck? Find some of the activities you were both talented at while you were younger, and replace the word exercise with "play." Things like dancing, hiking, or just playing sports can get you moving without realizing you are working out. Consider joining a recreational sport's league or think about other outdoor activities that might be of interest. Nonetheless, this will provide some level of physical activity that may seem less exercise and more fun.

3. Cold Exposure

Some initial data suggest that cold exposure can help increase metabolism. Potential options regarding this idea are taking cold showers or entering one of the body's cold water-suited environments (e.g., a cold pool, river, lake, etc.). The simple premise is that if you enter an extreme cold environment, your body will then expend energy to regulate and maintain the core temperature, which could assist with weight loss, however, as with any strategy, common sense warrants, so hippies please be forewarned.

4. Re-think Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years, but "intermittent" can be more democratic than simply being 16:8 on the regiment and stopwatch. For example, you can go for a 24-hour fast as one 2-weekly with the potential of better rewards from one larger meal. The key is to find your own rhythm to help regulate your appetite, based on your components of your lifestyle.

5. Creative Cooking

Being in the kitchen and experimenting can enliven your diet. Create new dishes based off whole, unprocessed foods. Try out different cuisines that emphasize vegetables, legumes, and spices. Cooking and trying new dishes keeps meals interesting and may diminish cravings for unhealthy snacks.

6. Find a class or group

Being accountable to others can be a motivating factor to your success. Sign up for a class for things you enjoy, like yoga, martial arts, or cooking. Being with a group encourages support, idea sharing, and inspiration to continue making positive meal choices.

7. Nature Therapy

Time in nature can promote mental status and stress reduction both of which are important in weight loss. Whether it's an easy nature walk, a hike, or time at the beach you're burning calories as well as garnering a safe and relaxing area for mindfulness to occur. Leave your phone, computer, or any technological devices at home and immerse yourself in nature.

8. Gamify your weight loss

Turn learning to eat well into a game or adventure. There are many cool apps who will reward you for meeting milestones, or for tracking steps, workouts, or trying new healthy recipes. Make scanvenger hunts or contests with friends that can keep you engaged during your lifestyle change.

9. Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep, we do not usually talk about in weight loss topics. Plan to get enough quality sleep and make a conscious effort to get on a regular sleep schedule sleep environment.Quality sleep deprivation messes with hormones regulating appetite and weight loss. If possible aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to help achieve your health goals.

10. Visualization

Visualization is an important tool used by athletes and successful people. Spend time every day visualizing what your goals are to look like. For example, what would you would look like in your favorite pair of jeans; or your fitness goals. Any visualization can assist you in developing your creative, competitive strength and increase motivation to maintain your commitment.

conclusion

Weight loss does not need to be tedious. Please open your mind to refreshing ways of eating mindfully, playful movement, and even creative cooking to help find ways to enjoy the experience that will last long term! Always remember to select the best weight loss approach based on your lifestyle and what works for you. Enjoy the process and celebrate your weight loss journey!