Making a commitment to shed those unwanted extra pounds can be both intimidating and overwhelming in the same thought, and who could blame you for feeling that way! The machines in the gym sometimes seem complicated to work properly, the sometimes overbearing motivation of personal trainers can be enough to make even the manliest of men shed a tear, and let’s not even start on the countless amounts of changes you may have to make to your current diet to make sure you get into the best shape of your life.  All of these factors contribute to the reasons why many don’t remain committed to their weight loss goals, but there is hope! There are several things that you can do right in your own home that don’t require heavy lifting or huge blows to the ego.

Here are 5 ways to jump start your weight loss.

1. Cut out the Salt

Those salty and sugary treats that we love so much are just empty calories that help pack on the weight instead of aid in getting rid of it. Junk food feeds your sweet tooth or your fix for salty foods and may even be a form of comfort in times of stress, but it is a high source of sugar that converts into the type of fat that is some of the hardest to burn off (that fat that sits around the stomach and hips). Also, remember that salt harbors water. So your salty foods may cause you to drink more, hold water weight or worse drinking more calories. Instead of reaching for the cookie jar when you want something sweet, opt out for a piece of fruit that is sweet to the taste or a smoothie made from melon or berries. Your body will thank you later!

2. Rest, Rest and more rest

Allowing your body time to rest and recoup will give those torn muscles from previous workouts a chance to heal, creating the toned and tight body that you desire. Getting more rest also keeps the hormones responsible for hunger and feeling full in check. The more sleep you get, the more your appetite is curbed. Studies have shown that individuals who get a solid eight hours of undisturbed sleep nightly have a lower percentage of body fat than those who don’t. What can be better than resting your way to weight loss?!

3. A glass of lemon water in the A.M.

Break your night fast by drinking a glass of lemon water before eating anything in the morning. A glass of water first thing in the morning will help to cleanse the body of any toxins that may have built up during the course of your body’s rest, and it will help to awaken your metabolism to burn fat within the body and convert it to energy. Jump start your digestion with H2O and hydrate your way to weight loss!

4. Weigh in once a week

There is no need for you to check on your weight daily. Your weight will fluctuate with the time of the day, the foods that you eat and the fluids that you drink. We typically tend to weigh less first thing in the morning and then that weight shifts to be heavier throughout the day. Do yourself a favor and weigh yourself once a week coming straight out of the shower. Pick a day that will be your weigh in day, and this will serve as motivation for your to get into the gym (or from your own home) and work it out!

5. Have patience

Rome wasn’t built in a day and your weight didn’t just appear overnight. It took some time for you to pack on the extra pounds, so be patient with the process of shedding them. Do not become discouraged in the midst of your weight loss journey if you don’t see the numbers on the scale going down fast enough for you. The body is being trained every time you choose to move it, so remember that it will take time for your body to remain in the shape you want it to be. You will have your dream body before you know it! Just continue to work daily in patience toward your goals.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Healthy Weight Loss center for more.

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