Losing weight may not always be the solution to your health problems, but if you are advised by your doctor to do so, they would likely recommend a steady weight loss of 1–2 pounds per week.
You will likely be advised to follow a weight loss plan. However, most weight loss plans for rapid weight loss are too restrictive, leaving you feeling hungry and making you want to eat more. This makes it difficult for you to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.
It is important to note that every individual has unique needs; thus, the efficacy of an eating style varies from person to person.
For example, some people may find a low-carb diet effective for weight loss, while other won’t. Nevertheless, there are general principles that apply when it comes to losing weight.
Here are three (3) sustainable, science-backed ways to lose weight fast.
1. How to Lose Weight Fast: Limit consumption of refined carbs
Limiting consumption of refined carbohydrates and replacing them with whole grains and other complex carbs is one great way to lose weight fast. By doing so, your hunger levels and calorie intake automatically decline, leading to weight loss.
Plus, eating a low-carb meal allows your body to utilize stored fat for energy instead of carbs.
What’s more, complex carbs like whole grains are high in fiber, which makes them more filling, thus promoting satiety.
In fact, a very low carb diet has been confirmed in a 2020 study to be beneficial for weight loss in older populations.
It has also been suggested in research to help reduce appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake.
However, following a very low-carb diet may also result in yo-yo dieting. Thus, in order to find the best way for you to lose weight fast, you may need to consult your doctor for better and healthy recommendations.
2. How to Lose Weight Fast: Load Up on Protein, Healthy Fats, and Vegetables
Loading up on protein, healthy fats, and vegetables is another best way to lose weight fast. It’s always best to balance your plate with a variety of foods at each meal.
Protein
Protein helps you lose weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Protein-rich diets may help you feel full and satisfied, thus reducing cravings and snacking, which can eventually result in weight loss.
Several factors influence one’s protein needs, but generally, an average female needs 46–75 grams per day and the average male is 56–91 grams per day.
Healthy sources of protein include eggs, meats, fish and seafood, and plant-based proteins like legumes, beans, quinoa, tempeh, and tofu.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great addition to your weight loss plan. It is loaded with healthy nutrients that are beneficial not only for your weight, but also for your overall health.
Plus, it does not increase your carb and calorie intake even when consumed in large amounts.
However, some vegetables are high in carbohydrates, so make sure to choose those that are low-carb. You can also eat carb-rich veggies in small amounts.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats, such as avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds, are excellent choices to include in your diet.
However, these foods are high in saturated fat, so always remember to eat them only in moderation.
3. How to Lose Weight Fast: Stay Active
Exercise offers a number of benefits to your body, from losing weight to reducing stress.
Weight lifting in particular is effective when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. This exercise helps prevent your metabolism from slowing down, thereby increasing the number of calories you burn throughout the day.
However, before you get started, make sure to visit a healthcare professional first for some advice and get a trainer if you’re new to lifting weights.
If your doctor would not allow you to lift weights, you may also want to do some cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, running, and cycling. They can be beneficial for weight loss and overall health too.
Other Tips to Lose Weight Fast
Aside from cutting back on refined carbs, loading up on protein, and staying active, here are some other tips to lose weight fast.
- Focus on whole foods
- Eat a high protein breakfast.
- Increase fiber intake
- Eat weight-loss-friendly foods
- Limit fruit juice and other sugary drinks
- Stay hydrated
- Drink coffee or tea
- Eat slowly
- Get enough sleep
- Learn to manage stress
The Bottom Line
Following a low-carb diet may be effective for weight loss, but some people may find it unsustainable in the long term. If that is you, feel free to try and experiment other sustainable and healthy methods to lose weight fast.
Choosing an eating plan that is sustainable in the long term and can keep you feeling satisfied for extended periods is best.
Always remember to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet as it may be a threat to your health.