Losing weight can be a difficult and frustrating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Along the way, I’ve discovered a few life hacks that have helped me stay on track and make my weight loss journey a little bit easier. In this post, I’ll share my top three life hacks for losing weight, and how they’ve helped me in my own journey.
Hack #1: Make meal prep a fun and social activity
Meal prep can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve found that making meal prep a fun and social activity can make it a lot more enjoyable. Try inviting a friend or family member over to prep meals with you, or make it a competition to see who can come up with the most creative and healthy meal. Not only will you get your meals prepped for the week, but you’ll also have fun and socialize at the same time.
Hack #2: Use a water bottle with measurements on it
Drinking water is essential for weight loss, but it can be difficult to know how much water you’re actually consuming. I found a water bottle with measurements on it and it made it a lot easier to track my water intake. You can set a goal for yourself, like drinking a certain amount of water per day or week, and then track your progress. This way, you’ll know if you’re on track or if you need to drink more water.
Hack #3: Make a “non-scale victory” list.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to lose weight is focusing too much on the number on the scale. But weight loss isn’t just about pounds; it’s also about inches, body composition, energy levels, and overall health. So I started making a list of all the “non-scale victories” I was experiencing, like fitting into a smaller size, having more energy, or feeling better in my clothes. Seeing these progress markers helped me stay motivated and remember that weight loss is about so much more than a number.
Hack #4: Be consistent.
It’s often the small things that you do consistently over time that will get you to your goal. I made sure I was consistent with my exercise routine and my food choices. I put my workout clothes on as soon as I woke up and made sure to have a healthy breakfast. I also made sure I had healthy snacks readily available so when I got hungry I wouldn’t grab for the junk food.
Hack #5: Prioritize sleep.
It is important to get enough sleep for your body to recover and recharge. Lack of sleep can lead to overeating and weight gain. I made sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night and I also made sure to avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime. I also try to relax and unwind before I go to sleep by reading a book or listening to soothing music.
Try these hacks out for yourself and see how they work for you. Remember, weight loss is a journey and it is not always easy, but with the right mindset and tools, it is possible to achieve your goals.