
Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Not all people are lucky enough to be born with a fast metabolism. For those who are trying desperately to lose weight only to fail time and again, we have outlined ways to lose weight without turning to fad diets and gimmicky dietary supplements:
Stick to Water
We cannot stress this enough, proper hydration does a body good. But not all beverages will do. If you are serious about losing weight, stick to plain water. Water helps flush out toxins in the system. It lubricates the organs and cells. Drinking 8 8-ounces of water daily speeds up the metabolic rate too! Best of all, plain water contains zero calories. There’s no need to worry about controlling portions or holding yourself back when it comes to drinking plain water. We cannot say the same thing with alcohol, energy drinks or even sports drinks. If water’s too boring for you, use lemon wedges or fresh mint leaves for a hint of flavor.

Watch Out for Refined Carbs
White pasta, white bread, and white rice are made from excessively refined grains. These grains are so refined that they basically lost all their nutritional value. White pasta, breads and rice contain empty calories that go straight to your thighs. These items contain simple carbohydrates that burn too quickly, leaving you hungry for more. The result? Unwanted weight gain! If you simply cannot quit your carbs, cut back on refined foods and stick to whole grains. Go for pasta, breads, and rice made with unrefined grains. These foods are high in complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are long-burning so you feel fuller for longer.
Quit Pork and Beef
One of the quickest ways to lose weight without depriving yourself is to abstain from pork and beef for a certain period of time, like a week or so. Unlike seafood, fish, and poultry, pork and beef are higher in calories and cholesterol. Quitting pork and beef temporarily allows you to enjoy your favorite dishes using healthier meat alternatives. Take your abstinence from meat a notch higher by replacing them with vegan meats and tofu. These meat alternatives are high in plant-based proteins and low in calories and saturated fats!
Work Out 30 Minutes a Day
Most people do not work out because they lead a busy life. If you cannot spare an hour or two working out, squeeze in at least 30 minutes of cardio to slim down. Working out at least 30 minutes every day helps keep the metabolic rate up while boosting cardiovascular health. Cardio workouts target all major muscle groups simultaneously. You don’t have to spend a lot of time toning a specific part of the body. Some of the best cardio exercises to try are boot camp training, kickboxing, spinning, and HIIT.
Balanced Meals
The secret to a healthy weight loss is balanced nutrition. If you want to achieve a slimmer physique, start filling your plate with whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Keep your animal-based protein modest. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and nutrients that keep the body healthy. Fiber promotes weight loss by prolonging the feeling of fullness and enhancing satiety after a meal.