On The Table

A collection of knowledge-based articles to inspire overall wellness.

7 Things to Give Up to Lose Weight

When it comes to weight loss, many believe they must give up their favorite foods, social lives, and several other life's pleasures. But a healthier lifestyle does not necessarily translate to declining enjoyment of the simple things in life. In fact, the seven things you have to give up if you want to lose weight may not even be what you imagine!

7 Things to Give Up to Lose Weight

7 Things to Give Up to Lose Weight for Good

1. Fad Diets
Highly critical, ditch fad diets and those so-called "diet foods." Fad diets claim and promise extreme weight loss with small effort, all in a short amount of time. Though significant weight loss may result when following trendy food gimmicks, it is more than likely to come back on once the diet has subsided. But unlike most of those short-term diets, bistroMD believes weight loss is a lifestyle change, providing an abundance of nutritious meals to assist in your ongoing journey!

2. Food Restrictions
Creating the mentality that you must strip out foods can be quite deconstructive to weight loss goals. Demolishing the thought and embracing all foods can be an essential piece on how to lose weight and keep it off. Restricting foods can increase their temptation, ultimately fueling the fire for a binge. Likewise, one might believe restricting snacks is a simple way to restrict calorie intake, thus leading to weight loss. However, consuming a nutritious snack can keep hunger at ease between meals and reduce the opportunity of overeating when meal time arrives. BistroMD offers snacks that are sure to satisfy cravings and aid in satiety, all while keeping calories and nutrients in balance.

3. Large Portions
In today's society, large portions are inevitable more times than not. Whether it be to get your money's worth or solely consumed in bouts of hunger, resorting to big plates each meal can certainly hither weight loss goals. Trade in large portions for smaller plates and eat more consistently. Small, frequent meals or snacks can keep hunger at ease and lessen the risk of overeating or second plates.

4. Drinking Binges
Though enjoying a drink or two has shown to promote health benefits, consistent use may be debilitating to other efforts put forth to weight loss. Alcohol not only packs on calories, but may intensify the urge to binge on unhealthful foods following a liberated intake. And with the increasing odds of feeling groggy and tired the next morning, dismissing a workout and feasting on snacks is also likely to trail. So the pouring truth, drink in moderation to prevent or decline the unpleasant, weight-curating consequences.

5. A Sedentary Lifestyle
Physical activity and diet go hand-in-hand when it comes to weight loss. Additionally, a busy life does not always translate into an active life, especially if working at a desk job. Try to make it a habit to start the day with exercise, even if it means setting the alarm earlier. And if sitting down mostly at work, make it a point to stand up, walk, and stretch the legs throughout the day. Park far from entrances, bike to work, take the steps, or walk during lunch breaks or after dinner with the family, anything to limit or avoid screen time and long couch sessions.

6. All-Nighters
Lose out on sleep and you may fall behind on weight loss goals! Along with diet and exercise, sufficient sleep is a key factor to good health. Inadequate sleep can compromise weight loss goals related to multiple factors, including these four hidden ways lack of sleep can lead to weight gain.

7. Strict Independence
This suggestion may not spread across the entire board, but it may be more influential than perceived. And though weight loss is only something you can personally achieve, both mental and physical support may foster and accelerate its efforts and attainment. A strong support system can be quite critical in health success - whether it be from a spouse, an online group, or close friends, their encouragement might be just the fuel you need to lose weight for good. With its consistent support from health experts and free access to resources, bistroMD also believes allowing, accepting, and utilizing support is an essential component to successful weight loss.

What to Eat When You Want to Lose Weight

Although identifying one food would be the simplest, most wishful answer, identifying what to eat when you want to lose weight is complex. As mentioned in number two, food restrictions should take the backseat, allowing some of those choices to sit in the front seat in moderation. But most experts will agree a balanced meal aligns with a healthy lifestyle. Such "diet" foods include whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. BistroMD, the leader in weight loss meal delivery, crafts their meals based on not only science, but for the love of quality and flavorful foods. All daily meals provide 1,100 to 1,400 calories daily with 40 to 50% total caloric intake from lean, adequate protein, 20 to 25% of calories from healthy fats, and 30 to 35% from complex carbohydrates. Nutrient-dense meals paired with consistent exercise and adequate sleeping patterns are the ultimately secrets to weight loss (and keeping it off)!