3 Simple Habits for Quick Weight Loss

Imagine this scenario. You have a special event or beach vacation coming right up, and you haven’t been feeling your best. Maybe you’ve put on a few pounds or fallen out of your workout routine and it’s beginning to catch up with you. Who hasn’t been there at least once? 

When you want to lose weight quickly, you might wonder if it’s possible or even healthy to do. It is, as long as you go about it in ways that make sense. And quick weight loss can be a point of question, having the right idea going into it will make all the difference in your outcome. Here are three simple habits to adopt to reach your weight loss goal in no time. 

1. Track What You Eat (and Drink)

One of the most eye-opening things you can do when it comes to your diet is to keep track of everything you consume. While it might seem like a huge undertaking, the extra time spent will be well worth it. 

Losing weight is a combination of calorie deficit and physical activity. If you’re noticing that you’re not losing weight even with regular exercise, chances are you’re consuming more calories than you realize.

Installing a food tracking app on your phone or keeping a traditional food journal will not only help to hold you accountable but also alert you of trouble areas in your diet as well. For instance, maybe you’ve fallen into the habit of having ice cream every night. Having healthy late night snacks on hand will ensure you always have alternatives that will help you stay within your daily limits, and you’ll feel great tracking them. This is also a good time to ditch calorie-laden drinks, such as sweetened tea, coffee and sodas — they are a sneaky source of excess calories that add up quickly.

Purchasing a food scale will also be helpful here, and measuring your food is quick and easy to do. Over time you’ll get a better idea for proper portion sizes, which will help you make better choices in the long run. 

2. Manage Your Stress

There’s no doubt that life can be stressful. Sometimes the stress is manageable, while other times it can become overwhelming. While this is normal, it’s also one of the main reasons why it can be tough to lose weight. And when you’re hoping to lose weight quickly, getting your stress under control is a must. 

First, understanding the relationship between stress and weight is important. When your body is dealing with stress, it releases cortisol. Too much cortisol in your system can increase your appetite and make you feel sluggish at the same time, which is not a good combination when your goal is weight loss.

While everyone will process and react to stress in different ways, finding stress management techniques that work for you is a must. It’s also important that you listen to your body and get to know its signs that you need a break.

3. Add Strength Training Into Your Workout Routine

You already know that exercise is a huge part of the weight-loss equation, but did you know that not all exercise has the same impact on how quickly you’ll lose weight? 

Strength training is one of the most effective ways to get the ball rolling. It will help to build muscle, which burns fat and calories long after your workout is over. And while you might equate strength training to heavy lifting, you don’t have to lift heavy to see results. 

If you’re already getting regular cardio, adding in a few strength training sessions each week will accelerate things. The duo will lead to noticeable muscle tone and healthy overall weight loss in no time. 

Losing weight quickly is a possibility, but the greater success will lie in the longevity of your methods. By choosing healthy habits that are not only simple but realistic as well, you’ll set yourself up for meeting your weight loss goals.

Chances are you’ll adapt so well to these new habits that you won’t want to stray off course, even after your special event or beach vacation has come and gone.