5 Surprising Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting or Deprivation

 It’s no secret that one of the most popular ways to lose weight is by depriving yourself of your favorite foods and embarking on an extreme diet plan. But while these approaches might work in the short term, they don’t really have any long-term benefits, and they can often result in unhealthy behaviors such as binge eating later on down the road. Here are five surprising and effective alternatives to dieting that can help you lose weight without depriving yourself of the foods you love or subjecting yourself to unnecessary hardship.

1) Exercise

It’s not just a way to lose weight—it’s a way of life. Exercise is consistently ranked as one of the people’s top stress relievers, and it can be especially beneficial for lowering anxiety and depression symptoms. Exercise also has a range of physical benefits. It helps strengthen bones, build muscles, burn calories, raise your energy levels, and much more. Plus it raises your endorphin levels; which makes you feel good!

2) Drink More Water

Because thirst is a sign of mild dehydration, make sure you drink enough water every day—but be careful not to overdo it. Sip your way through eight 8-ounce glasses of H2O—enough for your body weight in pounds. Pint glasses are about 16 ounces; a standard shot glass holds 1.5 ounces, so fill one up as often as you need to keep hydrated without feeling uncomfortably full. (And yes, caffeinated beverages count.)

3) Experiment with Natural Supplements

As part of a natural weight-loss plan, you might consider taking dietary supplements that help regulate insulin levels and promote fat loss. Herbs like bitter melon, fenugreek seed, garlic, and green tea may help with these goals. Other supplements might be good for energy, mental acuity, and stress reduction. Speak with your doctor before adding anything to your diet if you’re already on medications or have certain health conditions. Pregnant women should consult their doctors before using any supplement.

4) Try a New Food at Least Once Per Week

The research is clear—eating a diverse array of foods helps your body thrive. So, if you’re eating only turkey sandwiches, beans and rice, and broccoli, your body won’t be able to get all of the nutrients it needs to function at its best. It might also start producing fewer enzymes that help break down food so that you can better digest it. To lose weight without dieting or deprivation means paying attention to your diet.

5) Eat From All Four Food Groups

Forget about creating a calorie deficit—the goal here is to eat in a way that naturally helps your body burn fat. This means eating from all four food groups (protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals) daily. Also, make sure you’re eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables throughout your day. It won’t make you gain weight, but it will keep things moving in your gut so that you don’t get backed up (which could potentially lead to constipation).

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