Have you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight? If so, you are not alone. A Harris Poll shows that losing weight is number one of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions in America, with the goal of eating healthier coming in third.
It’s not surprising that losing weight is top on our list of intentions. Forty percent of the adult population in the US is obese, causing health officials to declare it a “growing epidemic.” The Harvard School of Public Health says that obesity negatively affects nearly every aspect of health, “from reproductive to respiratory function to memory and mood.”
Knowing this, along with society’s emphasis on “being skinny,” it’s tempting to want to lose weight as quickly as possible. But rapid weight loss is unhealthy, often resulting in eating poorly and taking supplements that are downright dangerous.
Healthy weight loss takes time, but by eating sensibly and adding natural supplements to your weight loss plan, you’ll be doing your body a favor. In the end, healthy weight loss is worth it — you’ll learn positive habits that you can use for a lifetime, and you’ll look and feel better, too!
Here’s what you can do to promote healthy weight loss, and what you should avoid:
DO begin your weight loss journey with realistic expectations. According to the CDC and other health experts, you should aim to lose about 1-2 pounds per week.
DON’T make it your goal to be “skinny.” Our world is obsessed with being super thin, but being skinny is simply not everyone’s body type. Instead, set the intention to practice healthy habits, which should include having low cholesterol and avoiding or managing Type 2 diabetes. Being healthy can certainly include losing weight, since obesity can contribute to these and other health issues. But avoid buying into the “skinny at all costs” mentality. It can be just as dangerous as being obese.
DO try to eat a protein, a carb, and a fat at every meal. Each of these macronutrients has its benefits. Protein helps build and repair tissues, and eating fat with carbohydrates can help slow the rise of blood sugar. All three are a necessary source of energy for your body.
DO eat plenty of fiber. Eating enough fiber will help you feel full, and soluble fiber has been shown to reduce belly fat. Beans, nuts, oats, apples, strawberries, and potatoes are all good sources of soluble fiber.
DON’T eat a lot of processed foods and sugar. Foods that have been highly processed or contain large amounts of sugar are full of empty calories. They may give you a boost of short-term energy, but you’ll probably “crash” after an hour or two.
But DO allow yourself treats! Trying to avoid all “junk” food all the time will most likely sabotage your diet. When you allow yourself to eat treats from time to time, you’ll most likely find that you’ll stop craving and bingeing them.
DO eat your fruits and veggies. Incorporating at least five colorful servings of fruits and veggies every day will help your body function at its best. Fruits and veggies will help keep you full and will supply your body with the nutrients and energy it needs to function.
DON’T avoid fatty fish. Many people believe that eating little to no fat is healthy, but your body needs fat! Just stick with the heart-healthy, monosaturated and polysaturated fats found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. DO avoid eating a lot of saturated fat, and stay away from trans fats.
DO resolve to stress less. Stress has been linked to obesity, as well as other health issues, so it’s important to manage it. Read our blog post on obesity and stress for more information.
DO move your body. Getting enough exercise has not only been shown to control weight, but it also helps prevent stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Have fun with exercise – take a dance class, go for a walk with a friend, or play outside with your kids. Moving your body for just 30 minutes a day can boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
DON’T take supplements that contain ephedra, sibutramine, or amphetamine derivatives. Beware of supplements that are sold online from companies 
you don’t know, even if they are touted as “all natural” or “plant based.” Many of them are manufactured in unsanitary conditions and contain substances that are harmful or even fatal.
DO choose all-natural supplements sold by companies that manufacture their products in an FDA-approved facility and are third-party tested. Supplements that contain Guarana, a plant named for the Guarani tribe in the Amazon, can help you curb cravings, reduce your appetite, support your adrenal glands, and give you energy without side effects like a racing heart, irritability, and anxiety. Always buy supplements from a source you trust.
For a healthy supplement to aid in weight loss, try Hi Energy Thermogenic. It contains Guarana and provides support to your adrenal glands, which can become fatigued by stress, leading to weight gain. It can also reduce cravings, help suppress your appetite, and provide you with a natural boost of energy.
DO try this healthy New Year’s Day recipe!
The southern tradition of eating collard greens and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day has been said to bring good luck and financial prosperity in the year ahead. If you’d like to try this tradition, cook up this healthy version from Making Thyme for Health. Enjoy it with a side of cornbread!
Make 2021 the year you lose weight in a healthy way! By eating healthy foods, exercising most days of the week, and taking all-natural supplements, you can create a plan that you’ll be able to stick with for life. Our customer care team is dedicated to helping you find the right weight loss path for your specific needs. Call us, and we’ll be happy to talk to you about healthy ways you can look and feel your best!
