Sick of trying diet after diet and still not seeing the results you want? It’s time to try something new. We’ve rounded up 10 top tips that are proven to help you lose 20 pounds in 2023 (or at least give it your best shot). From cutting out alcohol to eating more fiber, these tips are simple to follow and will have you feeling fit and fabulous in no time. So, let’s get ready to tackle those pesky pounds and high cholesterol levels. Together, we can crush our weight loss goals and live our best lives!
Table of Contents
Tip 1: Say goodbye to alcohol
Tip 2: Up your fiber intake
Tip 3: Nuts for weight loss
Tip 4: Sip on some green tea
Tip 5: Go low-carb
Tip 6: Eat more protein
Tip 7: Don’t skip meals
Tip 8: Tune into your body’s hunger cues
Tip 9: Barley soup for the win
Tip 10: Intermittent fasting: the ultimate weight loss trick
Tip 1: Say goodbye to alcohol
Alcohol is just a source of empty calories that can lead to weight gain. Not to mention, it can also make us crave unhealthy foods and eat more than we normally would. So if you’re trying to lose weight and improve your cholesterol levels, cutting back on alcohol is a smart move. If you do choose to drink, aim for just one drink per day (ladies) or two drinks per day (gentlemen).
Tip 2: Up your fiber intake
Fiber is your ally in the fight against weight gain and high cholesterol. Not only does it keep you feeling full and satisfied, but it’s also found in some of the most nutritious foods out there – like whole grains, fruits, veggies, and beans. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and veggies per day, and try making smoothies with fruit juice and your favorite fruit and veggies for an easy fiber boost.
Tip 3: Nuts for weight loss
Not only are nuts a delicious source of healthy fats and protein, but they’re also loaded with fiber and other nutrients that can help you feel full and satisfied. By incorporating a handful of unsalted, raw, or dry roasted nuts into your daily routine, you can help manage your weight and improve your cholesterol levels. Almonds and walnuts are excellent choices.
Tip 4: Sip on some green tea
Green tea is a triple threat when it comes to weight loss. Not only does it contain caffeine, which can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories, but it’s also full of antioxidants that can improve your overall health. To get the most out of your green tea for weight loss, try adding a touch of raw honey or stevia for sweetness. Just be aware that green tea does contain caffeine, so if you’re sensitive to it or have trouble sleeping, you may want to switch to caffeine-free chamomile tea before bedtime.
Tip 5: Go low-carb
If you’re looking to shed some pounds and improve your cholesterol levels, trying a low-carb diet might be the way to go. Low-carb diets have been shown to be effective for weight loss and can also help with a range of health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some tasty and healthy low-carb options to incorporate into your diet include leafy greens like spinach and kale, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, avocado, berries like strawberries and raspberries, nuts and seeds like almonds and chia seeds, and protein-rich foods like chicken, beef, and eggs.
Tip 6: Eat more protein
Incorporating more protein into your diet can be an effective way to support weight loss and boost your metabolism. Protein is an essential macronutrient, made of amino acids, that provides four calories per gram. Some delicious and high-protein options to try include tofu, tempeh, legumes like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds like almonds and pistachios, meat like chicken and beef, fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, Greek yogurt, and cheese like cheddar and feta. Not only will these foods help you maintain a healthy weight, but they can also support your immune system, improve your skin and hair, and reduce your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. The Healthi app is a great resource for finding tasty and healthy recipes that are high in protein, as it has a collection of recipes with pre-loaded BITES, calories, and net carbs.
Tip 7: Don’t skip meals
If you’ve got a high level of cholesterol, staying on top of your eating habits is crucial. That means not skipping meals and making a conscious effort to eat at the same time every day.
This doesn’t mean that you have to eat breakfast first thing in the morning, but if you tend to skip lunch and then get home late, be sure to pack something or have something ready so that you can fuel your body with food when it needs it most. It’s also important not just to eat 3 meals per day, but also to snack on healthy foods throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar levels balanced so that they don’t spike too much after any one meal has been consumed.
Tip 8: Tune into your body’s hunger cues
When it comes to weight loss, it’s important to listen to your body rather than just your brain. Your brain can often trick you into thinking you’re hungry when you’re really just bored or stressed, leading you to eat even when your body doesn’t need fuel. To avoid this, pay attention to your body’s hunger cues and ask yourself “Am I physically hungry?” If the answer is yes, go for a healthy option like an apple. If the answer is no, then it’s okay to hold off on eating until you’re truly hungry.
Tip 9: Barley soup for the win
If you’re looking to make progress on both your cholesterol levels and weight loss goals, it’s time to add barley soup to your menu. This tasty and filling whole grain is high in fiber and nutrients, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, with its low calorie and low glycemic index, barley is a great choice for weight loss. Simply simmer some barley, vegetables, and your choice of protein in a pot of broth for a delicious and nutritious meal. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing some positive changes in your cholesterol levels and waistline – barley soup is truly a superfood in a bowl. Happy slurping!
Tip 10: Intermittent fasting: the ultimate weight loss trick
If you want to lower your cholesterol levels and lose weight, give intermittent fasting a try. This eating pattern involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting and has been shown to be an effective way to shed up to 20 unwanted pounds. Plus, with intermittent fasting, you get to pretend you’re a superhero with superhuman powers of self-control. Just imagine the satisfaction you’ll feel as you breeze past the donut tray at your office without so much as a second glance. You’ll be like Batman, only instead of fighting crime, you’ll be fighting the battle of the bulge. So give it a shot! Please remember that intermittent fasting may not be for everyone, so be sure to consult your primary provider to see if it is right for you.
We hope these tips will help you on your journey to becoming a healthier, happier human being. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and respect that everyone’s needs are different when it comes to weight loss. So don’t worry if your friend can eat an entire pizza and still lose weight, while you can barely look at a carb without gaining ten pounds. Just focus on what works for you and your body, and never forget that every journey starts with a single step (or a single kale salad, whichever you prefer). Good luck on your weight loss journey, and may the scales forever be in your favor!
