1. Eliminating sugary drinks and juices
This one is the simplest and yet hardest one to do for a lot of people. But, it is also one of the main vices holding you back. Especially if you are a soda or juice drinker, this is hindering your progress.
2. Having protein for breakfast
Starting your morning off with some protein will keep you fuller a lot longer and help with cravings throughout the day. Make sure your carb intake is low in the morning, so you’re not causing sugar spikes first thing which will lead to those craving sensations. Try an omelet or a blended protein shake for starters and also be sure to check out Protein Myths for other forms of protein that are good for you.
3. Cutting out refined carbs
We all know whole grains are better for us than refined grains, but why? Refined grains are stripped of their outer shell and refined to make white flour or white rice. This causes the grain to lose the minerals and nutrients that we actually need. When your body breaks down these carbs they are turned into glucose (sugar). It is also easier to break down refined carbs and as we learned from the second key tip this can lead to sugar spikes. You want to avoid sugar spikes that can be threatening to your health in the long run so eat your grains whole and not refined.
4. Eating more fruits and veggies
Replace half your carbs with an extra serving of veggies, go for low-starchy veggies like asparagus, artichokes, and spinach. This simply added benefit will change things dramatically, increasing your fiber and lowering your carb intake.
5. Drinking warm lemon water on an empty stomach
This will help your body in so many ways as it helps your body detox. It stimulates your metabolism, helps with constipation, hydrates, aids in good skin and honestly, the list goes on! I like to drink lemon water throughout the day and I feel more hydrated as the day goes on.
Also, I can not stress this enough. Replace all your drinks with water as this is a super essential factor in losing weight. Drinking soda and sugary drinks can REALLY hinder your progress. This is important and so when you are thirsty, drink more WATER!