Managing your weight while exercising is limited

Exercise is only one element of a healthy lifestyle; however, losing the ability to regularly exercise, whether due to a lack of time, space, injury or illness, may make you feel as though your efforts to maintain a healthy weight are hampered. After all, every element of your routine, diet and lifestyle will complement its counterparts to keep you fit and healthy. It’s essential to get to grips with as many other methods of weight control as possible so that you can manage your weight whatever your circumstances.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Drinking plenty of fluid will help your body’s systems to work better, to ensure your brain is alert, and to support circulation, organs and the transfer of nutrients. What’s more, a drink of water up to 30 minutes before eating a meal will help you to eat less, and kickstart the digestion process. Remember to avoid caffeine and fizzy drinks if you want to remain properly hydrated.

Take your time

Whatever you’re eating, always exercise portion control. Get used to eating less, as well as paying attention to what you’re eating and when. Regular mealtimes, rather than eating food on the move, can work wonders for weight maintenance. Eating from a smaller plate is an excellent way to avoid overeating while taking your time and adequately chewing your food means digestion has a chance to get moving and to start processing whatever you’re eating.

Choose a diet you can work with

A balanced diet remains one of the best ways to lose and maintain your weight. However, it’s essential to find a diet that works for you, rather than relying on one that your friends may shout about. After all, our bodies are all made to be very different. Protein and fibre-rich foods, for example, can help to satiate your appetite for longer.

A diet that promotes and supports ketosis, or the body’s natural production of ketones, could be a good one to start with. That’s because higher levels of ketone molecules, which originate in the liver, can suppress appetite and encourage weight and fat burning. A diet lacking in calories and carbohydrates forces the body to produce ketones in response and will help you towards a healthier way of life. Whatever you decide, it’s important to research new diets and work out what is most likely to fit with your current lifestyle before making any changes.

Do what you can

Perhaps you’re living with an illness or injury that affects your mobility. You may work long, unsociable hours. It may be that you lack the space or motivation to get active. Whatever it is, some exercises can be adapted to suit all kinds of spaces, capabilities and routines. Aerobic and strengthening activities are particularly important for a healthy lifestyle. Remember to start slowly, doing whatever you can until your strength and confidence allows you to explore other exercises.

Sleep well and avoid stress

It’s not only a lack of a balanced diet and exercise that can hamper your opportunities to lose weight. Sleep deprivation and stress can also lead to obesity and its related health implications, messing with your hormones and causing you to crave unhealthy foods as a pick-me-up. If you want to manage your weight successfully, you must ensure that you’re taking good care of your mental wellbeing, too.

Get to know your body, and understand when it’s time to take a step back and rest. Aim for between seven to nine hours of sleep each night, limit your time spent on electronic devices and social media, and avoid situations that are known to elevate your stress levels – if possible.

Avoid temptation

We all need a little treat from time to time, but placing sugary drinks, fatty snacks, and unhealthy options within easy reach is counterproductive to any attempts to lose weight. Regardless of how much, or little, exercise you’re able to do, try avoiding things such as junk food, sweets and fizzy drinks altogether – or limit your intake to ensure they’re enjoyed exclusively for special occasions. Get used to a new normal of fruits and vegetables as snacks, and you’ll soon adapt to a healthier routine.

Whatever is hampering your ability to exercise as much, and as often as you’d like, there are countless ways you can lose weight and maintain those healthier numbers. From portion control, drinking more water and getting enough sleep, to gentler activities, exploring a new diet and mindful eating you are bound to find a new routine that works for you and your weight.

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