Is It Possible To Lose Weight Without Giving Up Your Favorite Foods?

However, it's entirely possible to lose weight without sacrificing your favorite foods, even if they are sugary or fatty. In fact, food deprivation may be counterintuitive to weight loss. Research on food deprivation  shares how avoiding foods like chocolate increases food cravings, which can lead to binges and overeating. You may also come to dislike healthy nutritious foods, which would make you more dissatisfied with the weight loss process and set yourself up for failure. Instead of holding yourself back from "junk" food, it's important to treat yourself sometimes to keep you motivated and happy.

The key to losing weight while enjoying your favorite foods is to eat in moderation. Although achieving this balance can be difficult, keeping a positive mindset and treating your snacks as rewards can make sure you stay in control. In this article, we share other ways you can lose weight and still enjoy your favorite foods:

Eat more protein

Many snacks are filled with carbohydrates, which can be counterproductive in weight loss. As shared in our post on sugar-free diets , you can cut out more carbohydrates from your diet and eat more protein instead. Opting to eat fish, meat, eggs, and tofu can help you build muscle, which aids in increasing your basal metabolic rate and making it easier for your body to lose weight. In addition, consuming protein leaves you with the sensation of being full, preventing you from overeating. This allows you to portion out your favorite foods when considering healthier alternatives, contributing to overall weight loss.

Sign-up for personalized diet plans

While you can still eat tasty snacks and treats, you may need professional support to understand a system of nutrition that works for you. Modern weight loss plans  are now highly individualized, so you can hit your personal weight loss goals without sacrificing your favorite foods. These plans make weight loss feel much simpler, compared to fad diets, as they encourage you to eat and be healthier with all other nutrients and health factors in mind. Additionally, these diet plans usually come with phone applications, making it easier to track your consumption. By tailoring your diet accordingly, you get to enjoy the benefits of weight loss without missing all those "unhealthy" chips, sweets, and other foods.

Get enough sleep

Sleep may sound counterintuitive to weight loss as it promotes inactivity, but staying awake all the time isn't necessarily healthier either. A recent study on teens  found that high school students getting less than the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep consumed 12 more grams of sugar each day, resulting in over 2 kg (4.5 pounds) of extra sugar each year. This increased consumption of foods high in carbs and added sugar lead to more calories. Furthermore, you may further be tempted to indulge in midnight snacks when you don't sleep at night, which leads to weight gain. Getting enough sleep can balance your appetite, helping you control how much you eat.

Start exercising

It's undeniable that exercise plays a crucial part in losing weight. A study on weight loss  found that exercise contributed on average 1.5 to 3.5kg (3.3 to 7.7 pounds) of greater weight loss compared to those who didn't exercise. Aerobic training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are two of the most effective ways to expend energy, significantly decreasing body fat. A great way to start is to engage in moderate difficult aerobic exercises (MICT), such as brisk walking, hiking, and cycling. As these exercises aren't as difficult, they can help you build up the habit of being physically active and guide you toward weight loss, without sacrificing the little treats that bring joy to life.