Weight loss is a common challenge faced by millions of people with different genetic backgrounds and lifestyle factors. Because of the complexity of the human body, approaching weight loss requires personalization and an understanding of your underlying causes. Your weight loss journey is unique to you, but there are plenty of options available as you explore ways to achieve your goal in a healthy way. Researching lifestyle changes, asking for support, and supplementing with alternative remedies is a powerful way to reach your weight loss goal.
Lifestyle Change
Weight loss is best achieved if you choose to make it a part of your long term lifestyle. Fad diets may work in the short term, but true habit change will prevent you from gaining excess weight back over time. Focusing on achieving productive days, learning how to make high-quality meals, and understanding how food impacts the body will help you make informed dietary decisions without needing to diet. According to the National Institute of Health, behavioral change is a driving factor in long term weight loss.
For easy lifestyle change ideas, consider:
- Joining an affordable gym
- Taking a healthy cooking class
- Meal planning and prepping after grocery trips
- Hiring a dietitian, health coach, or nutritionist
- Clearing the clutter in your kitchen
- Tracking your meals until you feel comfortable
- Following healthy recipe books
Treating the Cause
Contrary to popular belief, weight gain is a symptom rather than an illness. Mental health challenges, addiction, self-esteem issues, lifestyle choices, and genetic inclinations impact how the body gains and loses weight. Our psychological relationship with food also plays a role in how we rely on eating. If you feel there may be an underlying cause to your weight loss challenges, attending to the root cause can ease your struggles. Consider working with professionals, address to your weight loss challenges, and struggles if lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
Treating the cause may include:
- Seeing an eating psychologist
- Visiting a holistic doctor
- Learning about your genetic inclinations
- Visiting holistic treatment centers for addiction
- Undergoing blood tests
- Consulting with nutritionists
Alternative Remedies
Supplementing weight loss attempts with alternative remedies is a powerful way to maximize your results. Whether your remedies include enhancing your sleep (which helps lose weight) or using herbs and supplements, ask your doctor to help you decide how to support your journey. There may be certain processed ingredients you can avoid or treatments you can receive to impact your experience. Taking the time to research interesting remedies can kick-start your progress and motivate you to keep trying.
Ideas for alternative weight loss remedies include:
- Homeopathic approaches
- Essential oils
- Herbs and minerals
- Supplementary vitamins
- Weight loss-promoting massages and spa treatments
- Fasting approaches
Weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the underlying causes that are driving your symptoms. Bringing your body back to homeostasis may involve combining some lifestyle changes, alternative remedies, and holistic treatments to address the root issues. Considering these approaches will allow you flexibility and confidence as you continue your healthy weight loss journey.
