This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer for more information.
Are you looking for healthy ways to lose 5 pounds fast?
As women age, the weight seems to slowly creep on. It is so much harder to lose the weight and target those areas that we want to keep toned.
Certain workouts and movements that you had no trouble doing when you were younger, are much harder to perform.
Even our metabolism seems to slow down to a snail’s pace.
You are probably thinking, “Why is this happening to me?”
The good news is that you can change the situation.
You can get that flat tummy back and drop those extra pounds feeling confident again.
Here is a list of five realistic and healthy ways you can drop 5 pounds fast that really work. It all starts by making small changes.
Tip #1 – CUT BACK ON PROCESSED CARBS
A Harvard study showed that the real key to long-term weight loss is not necessarily cutting calories but cutting down on processed carbs.
When we eat processed carbs like white rice or bread, it leads to a spike in insulin levels. As a result, we end up gaining excess weight.
Try eliminating processed carbs from your diet for a few days. Choose more whole-food, plant-based meals. You will probably notice after a while your clothes don’t feel as tight and your energy levels have increased.
Tip #2 – INCREASE YOUR DAILY WATER INTAKE
If you tend to opt for sports drinks, fruit smoothies or even a light glass of wine for winding down on the weekends – you might want to think twice. A typical energy drink can have as much as 40 grams of sugar and wine anywhere from 100 calories or more.
Drinking plain water for hydration is the best choice, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant and contains zero calories. So, if you want to slim down, drinking water is one of the simplest ways to help you maintain a healthy weight.
Tip #3 - MOVE MORE TO INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM
The sad truth is that as we age, our metabolism starts to naturally slow down and we start to lose muscle.
That’s why it’s so important to get regular physical activity.
The more muscle we have the more calories our bodies burn, even at rest.
Try adding a few strength training sessions into your workout and see what happens.
Tip #4 – PRIORITIZE YOUR SLEEP
If you want to achieve a healthy weight, you may not realize it, but good sleep is the key to being rewarded for all your diet and fitness efforts.
When you are getting sufficient sleep, you are better equipping your body to get rid of stress hormones and your metabolism will improve too.
Adults should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep for optimal health and wellness or else they are at increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure,
Tip #5 – AVOID LATE-NIGHT SNACKING AFTER 8 PM
Do you want to lose 5 pounds fast but have a hard time with late-night snacking? Is late-night snacking bad for you or does it even matter?
Researchers studying mice found out that metabolism is linked to the time of day. It shows that late-night bingeing and snacking can lead to weight gain because our body is naturally starting to wind down the end of the day.
Our body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, regulates calorie expenditure differently at night than during the day.
The body is much more efficient at digesting food and burning calories during the day when we are awake. At night, as the body is getting ready to enter the sleep cycle, our metabolism starts to slow down.
If you are going to munch on something later in the evening, preferably before 8 pm, then stay away from the junk food and eat something healthy.
By making a few simple changes in your habits, you should be able to drop those last 5 pounds effortlessly.