Don’t follow any diet fads but stick to some minor changes that go a long way!
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only left millions of people infected, but it has also disturbed the living patterns of every common man. Ever since the nationwide lockdown was imposed in India on April 15, everyone apart from the frontline health workers has been confined within the boundaries of their households. As a result, people have to work from home, and it has resulted in a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, in lieu of breaking the chain of infection.
While the country battles the deadly disease, one can either sulk at home and wait for normalcy to hit again or just utilize the time to get fit and healthy. So, let's take a look at some evidence-based tips that can help you lose weight.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
You must have heard from someone or the other that staying hydrated will make your skin glow, but it also helps in losing weight as well. According to several reports, drinking water is directly linked to a leaner body as it boosts metabolism by 24-30%. Drinking 3 to 4 litres of water in a day is a must.
Cut back on refined sugar
The natural sugar found in fruits is not unhealthy, but refined added sugar can lead to more than one damages to your health. Sugar (high-fructose corn syrup) can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and also cause heart disease.
Say no to refined carbs
Eating carbs can lead to a spike in sugar levels of your body, leading to hunger, more food cravings and late night binge-eating. So cutting them down will surely aid in weight loss.
Use smaller plates
Smaller plates mean smaller portions and eventually fewer calories. So be wise in how much you eat.
Eat spicy food
Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, a spicy compound that helps in boosting metabolism and eventually reduces your appetite.
Have more vegetables, fruits and fibre
As we all know, vegetables and fruits compose a healthy diet. They contain few calories, but loads of fibre and their high water content makes us feel full quickly. In fact, they are extremely nutritious, and fibre (especially viscous fibre) can help to control your weight in the long term.
Chew your food slowly
In times like these, people are always on the rush to wrap up their work, including the way they eat. But don’t miss, your brain may take a little time to process your food. Hence, slow chewing of food can help you eat fewer calories and also increase the production of hormones linked to weight loss.
All these tips added with good sleep and frequent exercise will go a long way!