5 Simple but Highly Effective Ways to Cut Calories
It is always believed that the number of calories you consume causes weight gain or weight loss. Well, it is scientifically true. Our bodies store extra calories as body fat when we consume more than what we burn off. Over time, if this keeps happening, it will lead to weight gain. On the other hand, consuming fewer calories than we expend leads to weight loss.
Balancing the calories you put into your body with the calories you burn is a fundamental part of a healthy diet. When it comes to weight loss, both diet and exercise are important. By cutting calories and ramping up physical activity, anyone can successfully lose weight. In this article, we’ll start with the basics and tell you five simple but highly effective ways to cut calories and lose weight.
#1 Cook your own meals
Convenience food typically contains a lot of calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. You have better control over how many calories you consume when you prepare your own meals. Also, you can ensure that you eat fresh, wholesome meals.
Additionally, you should make an effort to refrain from eating at restaurants. The portions served at restaurants are two to three times bigger than the recommended dietary guidelines. This stimulates you to eat more than you would normally.
#2 Drink water before eating
In a study from PubMed Central, researchers discovered that consuming two cups (500 ml) of water before a meal reduced calorie intake by about 13%.
The stomach notifies the brain to stop eating when it feels full. Water can aid in filling up the stomach, resulting in a: feeling of fullness > curbed hunger > lesser calorie intake.
#3 EAT VEGETABLES!
Sad to say, most people do not consume enough vegetables.
Cutting calories is not possible if you have poor food choices. Vegetables are a natural food that aids in weight loss. In addition to being low in calories and fat, they are also high in fiber, which may help you feel fuller for longer.
Increase your vegetable intake by filling half of your plate with vegetables.
#4 Don’t drink calories
If you’re trying to lose weight, sugary drinks are a no-no. There are approximately 150 calories in a typical can of sugar-sweetened soda, almost all of which come from added sugar. Your favorite milk tea and Starbucks drink also contain insane amounts of sugar.
According to research, people who drink sugary drinks do not feel as satisfied as they would if they had consumed the same number of calories from solid food. Save your calories for foods that will make you feel satisfied and opt for water, black coffee, or tea instead.
#5 Eat without distractions
A study from PubMed Central found that attentive eating has an impact on how much food is consumed by a person. Their finding suggests a novel strategy to aid weight loss and maintenance without using conscious calorie counting.
Attentive eating is a way for you to genuinely enjoy the food you are eating. Watching TV, reading a book, or using your phone while eating are all unhealthy distractions. Of course, eat slowly. It takes at least 15 minutes for the stomach to signal to the brain that you are full.
Say goodbye to calories and successfully achieve your target weight using these simple but effective practices.
