7 ways to jumpstart weight loss
The older you get, the harder it is to shed those unwanted pounds.
If you are trying to lose weight, the first few hours of the day may hold the most promise for success. Checking off some “diet to-dos” by noon may be the best way to see results.
Women’s Health magazine shared these seven things you can do before noon to see a change when you step on the scale, and we asked an expert to weigh in:
- Sleep in a bit: Feeling rested and energetic can keep your diet on course. Drowsiness can lead to unwanted eating, and consistently lacking sleep can also affect your metabolism.
- Soak up some sun: Brighten your mood first thing in the morning by letting the light in. Researchers claim daily doses of sunshine get the metabolism moving. “Sunshine and fresh air are important for feeling good,” says Dr. Bill Rhoades, chief medical office at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. “If you are energized and have a positive attitude, you are more likely to stay focused on a diet.”
- Eat protein: Eating a good breakfast of protein helps you resist junk food cravings for the rest of the day. “We should all be eating a healthy breakfast with proteins like egg whites and whole grain toast or Greek yogurt,” says Dr. Rhoades. “It helps fill you up, and you’re less likely to be hungry half-way through the morning and cheat.”
- Drink with breakfast: Water, water and more water helps you hydrate and gets rid of bloat.
- Pack some snacks: When dieting, it is best to pack your own lunch. But if that’s not possible, at least pack a few healthy, low calorie snacks. Snacking on junk food can throw you well off course.
- Work in some sweat: Exercising in the morning helps to boost your metabolism and reduce cravings. Even 10 minutes of exercise gets your blood flowing. “I am a big proponent of exercise,” adds Dr. Rhoades. “A morning exercise routine is one of the best things you can do to jump start weight loss.”
- Walk part of the way to work: Try parking several blocks away from your workplace and walk it. It’s another great way to burn off a few unwanted calories.
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About the Author
Evonne Woloshyn, health enews contributor, is director of public affairs at Advocate Children's Hospital. Evonne began her career as an anchor and reporter in broadcast news. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in health care marketing in both Ohio and Illinois. Evonne loves to travel, spend time with family and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
Why is a morning exercise routine any better than a latter day workout? If I do it extremely difficult to to be at the gym at 5AM. 5PM is so much easier.
Totally agree with Joe Salemi. I am a forner fitness instructor and I never believed in the myth of exercising in the morning. I workout between 5:30-6:00pm. It’s much better for my body because that’s when I have the most energy and therefore, a very effective workout. I also sleep like a baby! It doesn’t matter when you workout, as long as you get at least 1/2 sometime during the day (or night). Whatever works best for you.
These are great tips, and I already follow most of them. Another tip that really helped me get the weight off is knowing which vegetables to avoid if you’re trying to lose weight. You can read about which veggies to avoid and why this is the case here: https://bit.ly/2OxL3U4
I’ve been adhering to this “secret” for several months now and already lost 30 pounds, it’s pretty incredible! Perhaps you can update your article with this info 🙂
As soon as I get up in the morning I take a three plus mile walk which helps me throughout my day.
I’ve been doing this since April and I have lost 10 pounds. For me I get the early excise a head start for the day …later afternoon I walk another three plus miles and I am feeling great I’m near 70 years young!
I don’t think there is a better time for exercising, as long as you do it. Many people (me included) prefer exercising in the morning because it is done for the day. I can’t use the, “I’m too tired,” or, “It’s too late,” or, “I don’t feel like it anymore today,” as an excuse. If you can motivate to exercise in the afternoon/evening/night, do it 🙂