Would you like to lose weight? Many people would. Unfortunately, countless individuals get sucked into fad diet culture and end up disappointed. In fact, they often lose weight initially and then gain it all back — plus some! Fortunately, there is a better way to shed excess pounds: holistic weight loss. What is the holistic approach to losing weight? This blog post provides the answer.
Holistic Weight Loss: The Basics
Holistic weight loss is an approach to weight management that focuses heavily on your overall wellness, not just achieving a number on the scale. Therefore, in addition to providing guidance on nutrition and exercise, it also touches on other aspects of life that can influence how your body stores fat and interacts with food. It is often able to achieve long-term results that traditional diets simply cannot attain.
Common Components of a Holistic Weight Loss Plan
Here are some common lifestyle habits that are often invaluable as part of a holistic weight loss plan:
Hydration
Did you know that dehydration often leads to overeating? That is because your body can sometimes confuse hunger and thirst signals. By staying hydrated, you can equip yourself to recognize true hunger. Each day, aim to consume half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should strive to drink 75 ounces of water each day. (Hydration needs can vary depending on how active you are, so be sure to listen to your body.)
Minimize Stress
Stress hormones can encourage your body to store fat rather than burn it. Therefore, you should try to take some time each day to relax. That could involve going for a leisurely walk, reading a book, meditating, or taking a hot bath.
Eat Lots of Veggies
Rather than thinking about foods you may need to give up, consider what you can add into your diet. For example, research shows that increased vegetable consumption is associated with weight loss. Dark leafy greens, like spinach and arugula, are particularly valuable because they are low in calories and jam-packed with important nutrients.
Get Enough Sleep
The amount of sleep you get can have a direct impact on the hormones that regulate fat storage and food cravings. Try to arrange your schedule so you can sleep for at least 7 – 8 hours each night. You should also practice good sleep hygiene by not using your phone in bed, avoiding alcohol before going to sleep, and resting on a comfortable mattress.
Use High-Quality Supplements
Sadly, many people have nutritional deficiencies. Supplements can make up for such issues and support your overall wellness. A holistic weight loss counselor can help you choose high-quality supplements that are hand-picked to support your unique body.
The holistic approach to weight loss is designed to support you as a person, not torture you into losing a few pounds. It’s worth a try!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Derek Murphy is a holistic physician who offers weight loss counseling to the St. Cloud community. If you would like to learn how he and our team can help you enjoy a healthier body and perhaps lose some unwanted pounds, contact our office at 407-319-7541.
