The new year is a popular time to try out a fad diet. However, fad diets aren’t always the answer. Sometimes losing weight can be done in a much cheaper and easier fashion. By simply adapting a few new habits, you can slim down naturally and without a high expense to your wallet.

Get proper rest

Have you found that you eat more when you don’t get enough sleep? This is because your body is looking for fuel to keep you going, so you reach for more food throughout the day to stay energized. Not getting enough sleep can encourage your body to eat more, causing you to up your calorie intake. A few days of this can add up fast.

Drink more H2O

Drinking a glass of water before you eat can help you feel full. Plus, often when we feel hungry, we are actually just thirsty. So, it’s a good idea to try to fill the snack need with water first to see if that’s all your body really needed. Water can also help flush toxins from your body.

Eat a good breakfast

A breakfast high in protein and fiber can help you stave off the hunger pains. It will provide you with energy and keep you full for longer.

Switch out snacks

Choose healthier snacks when you have a snack-attack. You can do this by having healthy options ready to go, and by removing unhealthy options from your reach. Force yourself to choose wisely when hunger strikes.

Reduce stress

It’s not uncommon to stress-eat. That’s why it’s essential to find stress relief, so you can cut down your daily calories. Ways to reduce stress include: finding time for you (even if that means saying ‘no’ to plans), starting an exercise plan, breathing exercises, and getting a good night’s sleep.

Move more

Exercise isn’t just good for reducing stress, it can also help you lose weight. Make an exercise schedule for the week and stick with it. Also, push yourself to move more throughout the day. Too easily, we can get stuck into a sedentary routine. If you work an office job, take breaks to walk away from your desk. If you’re given the choice of an elevator or stairs, choose the stairs. Make a conscience decision to move more.