Are you tired of the same old weight loss advice? Counting calories, cutting carbs, and hitting the gym can feel like a never-ending cycle of frustration and disappointment. But what if we told you that there are some wacky and unconventional weight loss hacks that have been scientifically proven to work? Here are 10 crazy weight loss tips that just might help you shed those stubborn pounds for good:
1 Eat with a small fork.
According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, using a smaller fork can help you eat less food overall, without feeling like you’re depriving yourself. The theory is that a smaller fork makes each bite seem bigger, which can help you feel more satisfied with less food.
2 Keep healthy foods visible.
Researchers at Cornell University found that people who kept healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables within easy reach and in plain sight ate them more often, instead of reaching for less healthy options. So next time you stock your pantry, put the chips and cookies in the back and keep the apples and carrots front and center.
3 Chew slowly and mindfully.
Taking your time to savor each bite of your food and focusing on the experience of eating can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions. In a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers found that people who ate mindfully felt less hungry and more full after their meals.
4 Wear a weighted vest.
Looking for a way to ramp up your workouts? According to research, wearing a weighted vest can help you burn more calories and build more muscle. A study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance found that wearing a 10% of your body weight vest while doing bodyweight exercises led to significant increases in strength and power.
5 Use a standing desk.
If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, switching to a standing desk could help you burn more calories and improve your posture and overall health. According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, using a standing desk for just two hours a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
6 Brush your teeth after meals.
Want to curb your post-meal cravings? Brushing your teeth immediately after eating can help signal to your brain that mealtime is over, and discourage mindless snacking. A study published in the journal Obesity found that people who brushed their teeth after dinner ate fewer snacks in the evening.
7 Sniff peppermint oil.
Inhaling peppermint oil before and during meals can help reduce feelings of hunger and cravings, according to research. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that participants who smelled peppermint oil every two hours ate fewer calories and felt less hungry than those who didn’t.
8 Drink water before meals.
Want to feel fuller and consume fewer calories overall? Drinking a glass of water before eating can help you achieve that goal. In a study published in the journal Obesity, participants who drank water before meals lost more weight than those who didn’t.
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9 Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain, so make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye each night. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that sleep-deprived participants ate more calories and burned fewer calories than those who got enough sleep.
10 Use a food journal.
Keeping track of what you eat and how you feel can help you identify patterns and make healthier choices in the long run. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who kept a food journal lost twice as much.
Incorporating these wacky and unconventional weight loss tips into your daily routine can add a fun and exciting twist to your weight loss journey. Remember, sustainable weight loss is all about finding what works for you and sticking to it. So, try out these hacks and see which ones fit your lifestyle and preferences. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of determination, you can achieve your weight loss goals and feel great about your body.
Sources:
- Journal of Consumer Research – “Small Plate, Big Appetite: Effects of Plate Size, Plate-to-Plate Spacing, and Food-Source Location on Serving Behavior and Food Intake”
- Cornell University – “Visibility and proximity of food matter: Increasing fruit and vegetable intake among low-income Americans in a food desert”
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – “Mindful Eating: The Art of Presence While You Eat”
- International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance – “The Effect of Weighted Vest Walking on Oxygen Uptake, Caloric Expenditure, and Walking Distance”
- European Journal of Preventive Cardiology – “Cardiometabolic benefits of standing and light-intensity activity in sedentary office workers”
- Obesity – “Toothbrushing Can Inhibit Food Intake and Change Food Choices”
- International Journal of Neuroscience – “Effects of Peppermint Scent on Appetite Control and Caloric Intake”
- Obesity – “Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older Adults”
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – “Impact of sleep deprivation on physiological rhythms and metabolism”
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – “Self-Monitoring in Weight Loss: A Systematic Review of the Literature”
