25 Weight Loss Tips To Crush Your Goals and Lose Weight Naturally

1. Start your journey today

Don’t wait for the perfect day to begin your weight loss journey. The most important tip for losing weight is to start now. Many times, motivation comes after you start. (1, 73). 

Now is always the best time to start working on the figure you really deserve. Gradually implementing healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes is the best way to lose weight safely.

2. Take a walk after eating

A short walk after meals helps to balance insulin and blood sugar levels. 

A 2022 study in the Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that just two to five minutes of post-meal-walking can result in reduced blood sugar and insulin levels (2).

A stable blood sugar helps us feel fuller for longer and prevents snack cravings triggered by blood sugar fluctuations (3).

Standing after a meal can likewise result in better insulin levels. However, a light walk is twice as effective as just standing (4). 

So, after your next meal, stand up for a while or, even better, go for a stroll.

3. Add veg and protein to all meals

A balanced diet is essential for sustainable weight loss. This means including vegetables and protein in every meal. Additionally, focus on low-processed whole foods and lean proteins. 

These foods help stabilize blood sugar and provide more macro and micronutrients. (8). Protein also keeps you feeling full, and it supports muscle growth and fat loss (7).

Vegetables, on the other hand, provide fiber and antioxidants. These also help stabilize blood sugar, promote bowel movements, nourish the gut microbiome, and avoid binge eating (9, 74).

4. Eat foods in the correct order

Starting with vegetables and protein followed by carbs may help you feel fuller than doing it the other way around (3). Protein actually delays the release of sugar from carbs into the blood. 

Consuming water, fat, protein, or fiber as a ‘preload’ before a meal may also delay small intestine glucose absorption, minimize insulin release, and reduce glucose spikes (4). 

Diabetics who ate veggies and protein first had almost 29% lower blood sugar levels 30 minutes after eating carbs (5). This sequencing also increases gut incretin (i.e., GLP-1), which may suppress the appetite (3). 

5. Drink enough water

The recommended daily water intake is not necessarily 8 to 10 glasses. It depends on individual factors such as sweating, exercise, and the environment (10). Replenishing water when needed and checking your urine color is all you need to do. 

Drinking water can help you lose weight, especially if it replaces calorie-laden drinks. Before meals, drinking water likely makes you feel fuller, so you consume fewer calories at meals (6). Drinking water instead of drinks with calories also helps reduce total calorie consumption and promote weight loss. (11). 

To increase real water intake, try sipping water between other favorite beverages.

6. Get enough sleep

As the old saying goes, ‘rest is for walking a longer path,’ and getting enough quality sleep is important for any weight loss journey.

Adequate sleep enhances motivation for exercise and encourages healthy food choices. Insufficient sleep, on the other hand, can affect healthy eating and hinder weight loss (12, 13, 14).

A healthy sleep routine regulates hunger hormones, curbs cravings, and boosts energy levels. It can also reduce stress levels that lead to weight gain (15). To successfully lose weight, aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep every night.

7. Sleep earlier and better

Staying up late can lead to excess calorie consumption and increased cortisol levels. Increased cortisol can contribute to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. This stress hormone disrupts the sleep-wake cycle making it difficult to fall asleep (16). 

To reduce stress and improve sleep, relaxing exercises, sunlight, meditation, and a balanced diet can go a long way. 

A diet high in saturated fat and low in dietary fiber can also negatively impact sleep quality. Furthermore, a diet high in sugar and non-fiber carbs can cause more frequent nighttime awakenings (17).

To avoid staying up late, regulate your sleeping patterns, increase physical activity during the day, and eat a healthier and more balanced diet.

8. Increase your motivation

The above-mentioned seven tips are the key to successful weight loss.

However, it’s easy to slip back into old ways. But, staying motivated is crucial for sustainable weight loss. Intrinsic motivation, such as desiring a healthy body, tends to be more effective than your doctors’ advice which is extrinsic.

You can increase motivation by setting behavioral goals and increasing self-reliance. This can help you lose weight more easily (18, 19). To stay on track, you may often need to reaffirm your intentions.

One way is to periodically imagine your future self as you progress along your weight loss journey (20). You can also write down all your reasons for losing weight. Keep them where you can see them, and this will help to increase intrinsic motivation.

9. Don’t skip meals

Meal timing affects your circadian rhythm. These rhythms interact with dietary habits and can impact weight and insulin resistance. Regular meal schedules therefore reduce metabolic and chronic disease risk factors (21, 22, 23).

Therefore, eat at regular times regardless of your eating pattern or whether you’re doing intermittent fasting. Optimal meal timing, however, varies depending on genetics and other factors. You may need to experiment to find the right times (24).

10. Practice mindful eating

To avoid overeating and unhealthy snacking, eat slowly and mindfully. Don’t eat while watching distracting devices like smartphones or TV. A focus on eating helps register feelings of fullness and leads to healthier food choices (25).

Eating while distracted can lead to increased calorie intake and poorer food choices. 

Set aside a designated time and space for meals, take small bites, and savor the flavors. This can help you tune into hormonal signals and reduce calorie intake more easily (26).

11. Enjoy your exercise routine

Find an enjoyable physical activity that suits your lifestyle. Then, make it a habit. It doesn’t have to be intense; activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga can help you lose weight and improve your overall health (71, 72).

Replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones. Instead of lazing around, get into some mild exercise and gradually implement long-term behavioral changes, which can improve energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue (27).

Before starting any exercise routine, consult your healthcare provider to identify any conditions or activities that may increase the risk of injury during exercise. 

12. Set realistic goals

Aiming to lose 1‒2 pounds (0.5‒1 kg) per week. This gradual approach helps you lose weight and keep it off by developing healthy habits. 

Achieving self-set goals also leads to a sense of accomplishment. This increases the likelihood of maintaining weight loss long-term (28).

Losing just 5‒10% of your body weight can have a significant impact on health. You can reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve joint pain and blood sugar control (29).

Set achievable goals for achieving a healthy weight. Remember, slow and steady weight loss is the golden rule for winning the race.

13. Update goal-setting

Establishing easy-to-adjust process goals can make it easier to lose weight, especially when unexpected things happen. 

Focusing on rigid target goals and outcomes can backfire on your motivation (30). Process goals are associated with less anxiety, higher confidence, greater focus, and more satisfactory outcomes than outcome goals (31).

A study of 126 overweight women found that those who focused on the process of losing weight were more likely to lose weight and maintain dietary changes (32).

Process goals clearly define how you can lose weight by following an actionable plan. Positive expectations and confidence in your abilities tend to lead to greater weight loss (33).

To set goals, use the SMART principles: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based (34).

14. Reframe your perspective

Changing your perceptions, thoughts, and feelings can improve your chances of losing weight. 

A systematic review article examines the outcomes of reframing the reasons for weight loss. It found that it is less burdensome to view weight loss as a positive change for a healthier lifestyle rather than a negative change involving restrictive diets (35). 

Thinking about food as supportive nourishment is a good start. Focus on eating a variety of healthy foods that make you feel positive and energetic. This is better than depriving yourself of things you enjoy.

It is also important to embrace body acceptance at all stages and avoid becoming trapped in ‘diet culture.’ Changing your lifestyle is better than ‘going on a diet.’ 

15. Enjoy every diet day

The key to successful weight loss is to enjoy what you eat. Studies show that most people regain weight after two years. Furthermore, fad diets with restrictive or unappetizing foods are difficult to maintain (36, 37). 

Don’t force yourself to eat healthy foods you’re not used to. Try to gradually incorporate new foods into your existing diet without a designated ‘cheat day’ to improve self-control. 

Eating nutritious foods should be your primary goal. Remember, eating well is about becoming a healthier and happier person.

16. Reward yourself now and then

Losing weight can be challenging, so celebrate and reward yourself when you lose weight in order to stay motivated. 

Studies show that self-affirmation and celebration can increase self-control which can, in turn, help maintain successful weight loss (38).

Celebrating success means acknowledging behavior changes too, not just the number on the scale. Avoid binge foods and insignificant or expensive rewards. 

Examples of appropriate rewards:

• Buy a new workout outfit or fitness equipment.
• Have a picnic in the park or a beach day with friends.
• Get a new haircut or hairstyle you’ve been wanting to try.
• Try a new healthy restaurant or recipe.

17. Reinforce positive body image

Body image impacts how much weight you can potentially lose. 

A positive body image can boost motivation and self-esteem. This supports healthy behaviors and weight loss success. Negative body image can result in binge eating or extreme dieting (39, 40).

To develop a positive body image, dress confidently and focus on what you can do with your body. Replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations can help too. (40)

It takes time and effort to develop a positive body image. The payoff is improved mental and physical health plus enhanced motivation. When you feel good about your body, you are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors.

18. Get into nature

Walking in a forested environment has been found to decrease cortisol levels compared to walking in a laboratory setting (41).

Persistently high cortisol levels from chronic stress can have negative effects, such as weight gain and difficulty maintaining healthy eating habits (42, 43).

Studies have linked elevated cortisol levels to increased hunger and higher abdominal fat (44, 45). 

Walking outdoors among leafy greenery may also alleviate inflammation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Being exposed to phytoncides and natural tree oil secretions may be the reason (47).

Furthermore, increased physical activity can also lower cortisol levels. So, walking in the forest or a leafy tree park is a great way for busy people to relax and potentially lose weight (47).

19. Plan for challenges

Losing weight is not always a smooth process, and setbacks can occur, such as illness, injury, or social engagements. Therefore, you should also plan for possible challenges.

Research shows that better coping strategies lead to greater weight loss success (48, 49). Plan ahead for things that may trigger overeating and how to deal with it.  

For example, research restaurant menus ahead of time to find healthy options. Alternatively, bring a healthy dish to share at a dinner party, or just eat less. 

When feeling stressed, take a bath or chat with friends to relax instead of eating. Stay flexible and adapt strategies as needed. Planning for challenges promotes a sense of control and empowerment, helping you stay committed to your goals.

20. Chew rather than drink

In the U.S., most added sugar intake comes from drinks. Unlike solid foods, sugary beverages don’t promote a feeling of fullness. This can lead to eating too much without even realizing it (50, 51, 52).

Chewing your food thoroughly can reduce food intake and thus calories. At the same time, it can increase nutrient absorption and fiber uptake (53, 54). 

Gradually replace sugary drinks with fruit-infused water. Unsweetened tea can also help reduce calorie intake. Mindful and observant drinking may also be able to help.

21. Keep healthy snacks on hand

Keeping healthy snacks on hand can prevent overeating, control calorie intake, and maintain energy levels (55).

Any kind of fresh fruit, unseasoned or unsalted nuts, and low-sodium seaweed are healthy snack options.

The key point is to prepare them ahead of time for easy access (56). When hunger strikes, avoiding unhealthy foods can increase the chances of better weight loss.

Spending time in the sun may actually aid weight loss. Getting 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure per day is recommended (67).

22. Get out in the sun

Different types of light interestingly have different weight loss effects. 

Experiments have shown that sunlight with sufficient intensity can activate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) by penetrating the skin (57). 

Also, daily exposure to blue light in the visible spectrum to scWAT may impact circadian rhythms, which play an important role in human health and weight loss (57). 

On the other hand, exposure to artificial light at night is likely to affect physiological functions. It has been shown to disturb human glucose homeostasis associated with fat gain, obesity, and atherosclerosis (58).

23. Find a weight loss partner

It can be difficult to lose weight alone. Having a weight loss partner or peer support group may help you stay motivated and make your goals more achievable (62, 68). Social support from family, friends, or online peer communities are all helpful. Having someone to share your weight loss successes and challenges with can be a great asset in achieving your goals (63).

24. Focus on you and your journey

Social media use has been linked to a negative body image and eating disorders. The key culprits are idealized images and appearance-related remarks (64).

Social media can thus be a major source of negative self-comparison.

One solution is to spend less time online and focus more on your own unique potential. Another way to associate more with positive peer support groups or individuals who appreciate your weight loss efforts.

It is better to focus on yourself and how you are changing rather than on external images that are out of your control.

25. Live a fulfilling life

Mental, emotional, and physical health are all interconnected (65). Successful weight loss may mean living a fulfilling life and being true to yourself.

Engage in joyful and fulfilling activities and develop a positive relationship with your body. Avoid boredom, which can lead to increased snacking and calorie consumption (66).