Everyone wants to look their best and maintain a healthy weight. The problem with actually looking your best and staying trim, though, is that it takes some effort.

Additionally, there are endless weight-loss programs and tactics out there, so it can be difficult to know where to start. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Greenwood provides some sustainable weight-loss tips below.

Does Dieting Work?

While diets will usually yield impressive initial results, recent studies have shown that most diets, regardless of the type, will lead to weight loss and lower blood pressure, but these desired effects largely disappear after a year.

The reason for this is that as the body loses weight, your metabolism slows down and often people forget to adjust other behaviors. Because of this, most experts recommend implementing and introducing healthier, sustainable habits rather than shocking the body into losing weight as it’s usually a difficult process to maintain long-term.

A Few Negatives of Dieting

• Slowed metabolism
• Easier weight gain after the diet is over
• Lack of certain vitamins and minerals

What’s a Healthy Way to Lose Weight?

Learning to ditch unhealthy foods and drinks and making an effort to consume healthier foods and drinks at a higher rate is a great place to start.

One convenient way to do this is by choosing your liquid calories wisely. Sweetened drinks pile on the calories but don’t reduce hunger like solid foods do. Satisfy your thirst with water, sparkling water with citrus, or skim or low-fat milk. Some other healthy weight-loss suggestions are below!

Other Healthy Weight-Loss Tips

• Get 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every day. This usually entails whole-grains, fruits, protein and a small amount of healthy fat.
• Don’t snack less than two hours before bedtime.
• Cut down your portions.
• Don’t eat meals or snacks in front of the TV.

Losing weight is great, but make sure to go about your weight loss in a healthy way! If you or a family member is in need of medical care, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Greenwood today.