8 Surprisingly Simple Weight Loss Hacks To Reach Your Goals Faster

1. Walk or bike to nearby destinations

You’d be surprised by how much a bit more movement here and there can add up to big results.

When you’re sedentary all day long, your body isn’t doing much, so it feels no need to burn more calories. But when you’re active, your metabolism will instantly increase because it has to burn more calories to give you energy.

Simple activities such as walking to the post office or biking to work instead of driving can make a big difference if you commit to doing it often.

Even a quick walk during your lunch break helps.

2. Drink a glass of water before each meal

Drinking a large glass of water before eating gives you a sense of fullness so you’re less inclined to overindulge.

One study reported that participants who drank water before each meal lost 44% more weight than those who didn’t.

You also want to be drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking about 75 oz.

This simple hack will help you get enough water in a day and start to lose weight.

3. Use a smaller plate

An optical illusion is a powerful thing and there’s no exception when it comes to filling up a smaller plate of food.

Trade in a lunch plate for your dinner plate and your meal will automatically reduce in calories because you’re eating a smaller amount of food. But all your eyes will see is a plate full of food and a delicious meal to fill your belly.

This is one of those simple weight loss hacks you can ultimately integrate into your everyday life without your feeling the slightest change.

4. Load up on veggies

Veggies are composed largely of water and are loaded with vitamins and nutrients that are great for your health.

By loading up on veggies at each meal, you can achieve that “full” feeling you desire, without diminishing 500 calories from your daily intake like a full plate of pasta would.

One whole cup of veggies is about 35 calories (depending on the veggies), so you can load up on this filling food. Pair it with a lean protein and healthy fat and you’ll feel completely satisfied when eating a much smaller amount of calories.

5. Get enough sleep

This may sound like one of those lazy weight loss hacks but sleep is vital to your health.

When you don’t get enough sleep, it’s believed that your body actually produces more ghrelin, a hunger-stimulating hormone, and reduces your levels of leptin, a chemical which makes you feel full.

Add that to your minimal desire to workout when you’re exhausted, and you’ve got a recipe for weight gain.

Instead, aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night (you might need more like 8 or 9, everybody’s needs are different). Not only will you feel energized for your day, but you’ll also be clear-minded and ready to tackle your weight loss goals.

6. Eat dark chocolate

Yes, you read that correctly.

I am telling you to eat dark chocolate. This might be just about the greatest weight loss hack you’ve ever read in your life.

But there’s a reason behind this “madness.” When you deprive your body completely of sweets, it craves more.

Have you ever cut out food groups from your diet and all you can think about is those foods you can’t have?

But when you have a piece (or 2) of dark chocolate each day, you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of delicious, rich sweets. You’ll likely conquer your healthy eating goals so much better when your body feels like it doesn’t have to cut anything out.

“Everything in moderation” is a great motto to live by when living a healthy lifestyle.

7. Start an active hobby

A few fun hobbies include hiking, running, biking, playing tennis, and swimming.

Notice all of those are active. And that’s not by mistake. If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ll need to try out different activities that will get you off the couch.

You might even fall in love with the good feeling you get after getting active (hello, endorphins) and how much more energized you feel when choosing to do something fun outside.

Related: 16 Fun Hobbies that Make Money (Crafts, Games & More)

8. Use a food tracker

This weight loss tip may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly okay.

If you don’t track your food intake using an app like MyFitnessPal, you’ll have no idea how many calories you’re eating each day.

It can be a shocker to see that you’ve consumed 2,500 calories that day and don’t even feel full because they’ve consisted of chips and salsa, or other not-so-nutritious foods that leave you hungry an hour later.

When you start tracking what you eat, you’ll be aware of when you need to eat more veggies, protein, and healthy fats. You’ll also know when to tone down the junk food and empty calories that won’t actually fill you up or add any nutritious value to your diet.

Consider using a calorie tracker as one tool in your toolkit to weight loss and don’t let it become your prime focus.

When you become too focused on calories, cutting, and obsessing over food, you can head down a slippery slope to dangerous restrictive eating habits. Instead, use tracking your food as a guideline to healthier eating and a healthier lifestyle overall.

With These Weight Loss Tips Your Goals are within Reach

With some dedication and a few simple lifestyle changes (and these weight loss tips, of course), you’re that much closer to achieving your weight loss goals.

These hacks to lose weight will help you achieve a healthier lifestyle and feel like the best version of you.