Simple 6 rules to weight loss

Finding simple ways to lose weight?

If you are ready for some small simple changes, here goes:

#1 Drink water

Most of the population is dehydrated to begin with, but water can definitely help you lose weight. The body functions more efficiently with proper hydration by getting rid of toxins and distributing nutrients. Water also curbs hunger, so getting more of it will make you less hungry over the course of a day. The morning is especially important. Instead of coffee or soda to start your day, the body needs hydration to warm up for activity. A full glass of water soon after getting up will do more good for the body than you think.

#2 Exercise in the morning

It's one of the hardest things to make a habit, but one of the best healthy habits you can do for yourself. Without a full meal in your system, your body will be burning almost pure fat during your activity. A glass of water and maybe some juice will give you some energy to get started, but your body will begin burning fat shortly after you begin moving around. Morning exercise also sets the body up for successful weight loss by increasing your resting metabolism for a few hours. Setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier can be a significant difference in your weight loss results.

#3 Eat Small, Frequent Meals Throughout the Day

Eating healthy doesn't have to mean putting yourself on a strict diet and starving yourself. Your body doesn't require a lot of calories at any given point, unless you have skipped meals. Any calories above the body's need will be stored for later use, meaning you will have to burn it off. Switching from two or three large meals in a day to five or six small ones will keep your metabolism higher than forcing your body to digest a bunch of extra calories, which will result in losing weight. Even a small snack of a piece of fruit or a few crackers with peanut butter between meals will go a long way towards reducing your appetite and caloric consumption at meal time.

#4 Be smart when eating out

Restricting yourself to never eat out while you are trying to eat out is a very difficult, if not impossible task. Instead, you should focus on eating well and making smart choices when eating out. Smaller portions and better food choices are a good start to a more healthy lifestyle. Most restaurant portions are two or even three normal servings, which can sabotage a diet in a hurry and curb weight loss. Split the dish up right when it is served and put it in a leftover container so you won't be tempted to over-indulge. Try water with lemon instead of a soda or tea. That move alone can cut 250 calories with all the refills you will be offered. Plan ahead on what the best choices at given restaurants are so you can prepare to eat right when you arrive. Most places have low fat or low calorie options you can enjoy without feeling guilty or starving afterwards.

#5 Do more of the activities you enjoy

Everyone has certain things they enjoy doing. Whether it is basketball, walking in the mall, riding bikes or even yard work, most people don't think about things they enjoy as a chore. These are free calories you can burn and lose weight while being active. If you walk through the mall once a week, try going twice - the second time without stopping at stores, just window shopping for cardio exercise. Dog owners can take advantage of their pets by fitting in extra or longer walks/runs into the routine. Your pet(s) will love it and get in better shape themselves. They can even be a part of your new morning exercise regime.

#6 No meals after 8 pm

It is not critical what time you eat your food as to the total amount of calories you eat each day. If you overeat at any time of the day, you will gain weight. Having said that, it is best not to have the largest meal of your day after 8 pm at night. The reason being is you will not use all the calories you have just consumed, some or most of it will be stored as fat. It is better to eat earlier in the day where the calories will be used for activites during the day.