Medical News Today: 20 ways to lose weight safely

Many people are unsure how to lose weight safely and naturally. It does not help that many websites and advertisements, particularly those belonging to companies that sell diet drugs or other weight-loss products, promote misinformation about losing weight.

According to 2014 research, most people who search for tips on how to lose weight will come across false or misleading information on weight loss.

“Fad” diets and exercise regimens can sometimes be dangerous as they can prevent people from meeting their nutritional needs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the safest amount of weight to lose per week is between 1 and 2 pounds. Those who lose much more per week or try fad diets or programs are much more likely to regain weight later on.

A variety of research-backed methods exists to help a person achieve a healthy weight safely. These methods include:

1. Keeping healthful snacks at home and in the office

People often opt to eat foods that are convenient, so it is best to avoid keeping prepackaged snacks and candies on hand.

One study found that people who kept unhealthful food at home found it more difficult to maintain or lose weight.

Keeping healthful snacks at home and work can help a person meet their nutritional needs and avoid excess sugar and salt. Good snack options include:

• nuts with no added salt or sugar
• fruits
• prechopped vegetables
• low-fat yogurts
• dried seaweed

2. Cutting out processed foods

Processed foods are high in sodium, fat, calories, and sugar. They often contain fewer nutrients than whole foods.

According to a preliminary research study, processed foods are much more likely than other foods to lead to addictive eating behaviors, which tend to result in people overeating.

3. Eating more protein

A diet high in protein can help a person lose weight. An overview of existing research on high-protein diets concluded that they are a successful strategy for preventing or treating obesity.

Collectively, the data showed that higher-protein diets of 25–30 grams of protein per meal provided improvements in appetite, body weight management, cardiometabolic risk factors, or all of these health outcomes.

A person should eat more eggs, chicken, fish, lean meats, and beans. These foods are all high in protein and relatively low in fat. Lean proteins include:

• fish
• beans, peas, and lentils
• white poultry
• low-fat cottage cheese
• tofu

4. Quitting added sugar

Sugar is not always easy to avoid, but eliminating processed foods is a positive first step to take.

According to the National Cancer Institute, men aged 19 years and older consume an average of over 19 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Women in the same age group consume more than 14 teaspoons of added sugar a day.

Much of the sugar that people consume comes from fructose, which the liver breaks down and turns into fat. After the liver turns the sugar into fat, it releases these fat cells into the blood, which can lead to weight gain.

5. Drinking black coffee

Coffee may have some positive health effects if a person refrains from adding sugar and fat. The authors of a review article noted that coffee improved the body’s metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.

The same review highlighted an association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of diabetes and liver disease.

6. Staying hydrated

Water is the best fluid that a person can drink throughout the day. It contains no calories and provides a wealth of health benefits.

When a person drinks water throughout the day, the water helps increase their metabolism. Drinking water before a meal can also help reduce the amount that they eat.

Finally, if people replace sugary beverages with water, this will help reduce the total number of calories that they consume throughout the day.