Weight loss struggles? These suggestions from guest blogger Sheila Olson (fitsheila.com) can help.

This is How You Can Win Your Weight Loss Battle for Good
 
Staying fit and healthy can be a challenge for anyone these days. With our busy schedules, constant stress, and an internet filled with fast fixes and new fads, it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. But if you’re willing to commit to a few simple changes to your regular habits, you can take the mystery out of your weight loss journey.
 
Try Some Healthier Hobbies
 
When you think of watching your weight, you may think you need to spend all your time in the gym. A gym membership and regular exercise can only help if you really enjoy your workouts. Incorporating physical activity into your lifestyle can be just as effective in preventing obesity, and it can help you have fun while doing so. You can add some activity to your daily routine with some morning walks, or you can try picking up a fun new active hobby. Get into dancing, hiking, or even biking for an effective cardio workout that will also help keep your muscles toned too. Before you hit the trails, however, you may want to look into getting a good mountain bike so do your homework to find one that suits your needs.
 
Find a Few Workout Buddies
 
Maintaining a healthy weight is all about maintaining healthy habits. If you find it hard to get out and exercise, working out with friends can be a great way to stay motivated. Many health and fitness experts agree that getting fit while hanging out with a crowd causes people to show up more often and get more out of their workout. Friends can make for perfect workout partners if they have some of the same goals as you. If you can’t find a workout buddy among your friends, you can also benefit from this group effect by signing up for some fitness classes. If you have a gym membership, classes may already be included for free. You can also look around for more adventurous fitness classes if you’d really like to mix it up.
 
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
 
So, this is advice you will hear time and time again. However, what does a balanced, healthy diet actually mean? Well, you can start by paying attention to your body and looking for signs that your diet is not balanced. A diet is not doing you any favors if you feel tired, cranky, or hungry while trying to follow it. Instead of trying fad diets and strict meal plans, focus on putting whole, clean foods into your body, and pay attention to how you eat as well. Small changes, such as using a smaller plate or eating breakfast every day can help you manage your weight more than drastic moves, such as severely cutting calories.
 
Make Sure You’re Getting Sleep
 
If you are skipping sleep to get your morning workout in, you could actually be doing more harm than good. A Columbia University Study found that when people sleep less than seven hours a night, they tend to have a harder time maintaining a healthy weight. Not only are you more likely to make healthier food choices when you’ve enjoyed eight solid hours of sleep, but your body will also burn more calories, even when sitting absolutely still. If you have trouble getting to sleep or just want better sleep hygiene, start with your bedroom. Keep it cool, dark, and quiet at night. You should also try to stick to a regular sleep schedule and avoid electronic screens before bedtime. Improving your sleep is also a good way to improve your mental health, which is also important in maintaining a healthy, fit body.
 
Winning the fight against obesity can be a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. By changing up some of your daily habits and committing to simple healthy practices, you can make a positive difference in your weight and your overall wellness.
 
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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