Simple steps to reach your natural weight

For many, the prospect of losing a few pounds and reaching a healthy weight is like rocket science - far too much effort to think about, let alone attempt!

Yet finding a natural weight and maintaining it is actually quite simple, and there are dedicated nutritional experts and fitness pros available to help you along the way.

Below we share some simple tips from professionals all over the world on how to eat more mindfully and look after your health:

Eat like you mean it

Aim to eat three meals a day while sitting down and focusing on the food in front of you. Achieving a natural weight comes from eating in a way that ensures your mind and body feel satisfied with the food you eat. This will prevent cravings, helping you to eat less overall.

Don’t eat foods that fight you

If you are eating portions that leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable, if you are eating foods that don't nourish your body and make you feel bloated and hungry within minutes - these are all foods that are fighting your body. Having them in your diet prevents your body from performing at its best, and finding your natural weight will be much harder.

Don't be afraid of hunger

Before the 1990s no one really snacked, but now we eat in a way that causes our blood sugar levels to yo-yo. This leaves us feeling constantly hungry and obliged to snack between meals. If you feel a pang of hunger, drink some water and then wait a few minutes to see if the feeling subsides. If you do need to eat, take a look at our guide to healthy snacking.

Find the good in your life

Some people use food as a means of escape when they are feeling low or unhappy. However, the more they identify with food in this way, the more they need it to fill the gaps. This can result in an unhealthy cycle of mindless eating. If you can relate to this, try to break the cycle by taking a few minutes each day to focus on the good in your life. Every time you feel a need to reach for food, use this method as a distraction.

Know what a 'natural' weight means

Your natural weight is a place where you feel comfortable, fit and healthy. It is not a body fat percentage or number; it is something only you can determine. Sometimes we can get so hung up on what the scales say that we lose perspective of what really matters. To lead a healthy and fulfilling life, we need to have good energy levels, a strong immune system and smooth digestion. These will be at their peak when you are at your natural weight.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Nutritionist Resource are reviewed by our editorial team.

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