This time of year, it seems everyone is focused on losing weight for summer. Whether you’re hoping to look cute in a bathing suit or you want to decrease health problems associated with carrying extra pounds, these eight weight loss tips can help.

Make Lighter Versions of Your Favorite Foods

Rather than deny yourself completely, set a goal to modify the dishes you crave to make them healthier. Top homemade pizza with low-calorie cheese; switch to frozen yogurt instead of full-fat ice cream; use whole wheat flour when baking cookies; and drink fizzy flavored water instead of soda. These lighter versions of traditional comfort foods prevent you from feeling deprived, so you’re less likely to fall back into old habits.

Add the Right Food

So many weight loss tips say to subtract food from your diet, but instead, focus on making healthy additions. If you love spaghetti, go ahead and have some—but add pureed spinach to the sauce. Craving ice cream? Scoop yourself a bowl—but add fresh fruit to it. Then, remember to serve a little less spaghetti or ice cream because you’re adding spinach or fruit. This ensures your overall calorie intake doesn’t increase.

Drink More Water

If there’s one more thing you should add to your diet, it’s water. This zero-calorie beverage is the perfect appetizer. Drink a full glass before each meal to partially fill your stomach and help you eat less. Sip on water throughout the day as well to help you stay hydrated. You’ll feel more energetic and have healthier skin and hair if you increase your water intake to at least the recommended eight glasses per day.

Use Smaller Plates and Bowls

It can be hard to control your serving sizes if you scoop everything onto a big plate—or worse if you eat straight from the potato chip bag. One of the best weight loss tips is to serve meals and snacks on small dinnerware to give the illusion that you have a larger portion. You may find that your craving is just as satisfied with a small slice of cake on a little plate as it would be with a big slice on a larger plate.

Eat at the Same Time Every Day

The human body appreciates predictable cycles. If your schedule allows, plan to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time each day. You’ll be less likely to snack when you know exactly when your next meal is coming.

Chew Slowly

Studies show that slow eaters tend to eat less and lose weight as a result. This happens for a few reasons. First, chewing slowly gives your gut adequate time to suppress hunger hormones and release anti-hunger hormones. This process takes about 20 minutes, so slowing down is just what you need to receive these signals and stop eating before you overdo it.

Then, eating slowly allows you to chew more thoroughly, which helps prevent indigestion. It’s also more relaxing to enjoy your meal rather than hurry through it. Plus, you get to enjoy the taste of your favorite foods longer, so why rush?

Don’t Call it “Working Out”

Does the word “exercise” make you want to climb back into bed? Then don’t call it that! If you hate formal weightlifting or jogging, get your physical activity in other ways. Put on music and dance in your living room; shoot some hoops with the kids; go on a quick stroll around the block; play a round of Frisbee golf; chase the dog around the yard—whatever gets you moving.

Involve Your Partner

Weight loss tips are easier to follow if you have someone supporting you—or better yet, participating in your goals right alongside you. When you eat out, ask if your partner is interested in sharing an entrée. You’ll enjoy your meal without getting stuffed, and you’ll save money on your outing.

Exercise together, too. Many types of physical activities—from bike rides to hikes to swimming—are more fun with someone by your side. You could even split a gym membership with your partner to reap the benefits at half the cost.

Support These Weight Loss Tips with Proper Spine Care

When you make healthy lifestyle changes, you can see improvements in multiple areas of your life, not just your weight. For instance, did you know that being healthy can accelerate healing? It’s true—the treatments you receive at Spine Correction Center of the Rockies are more effective when you eat for better wellness. We can offer professional nutritional advice to facilitate that healing.

If you’re interested in starting an individual treatment strategy for chronic conditions and acute injuries, schedule a free consultation at our Fort Collins office, or call us at (970) 658-5115 for advice over the phone. We’ll show you how non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical therapies can correct underlying issues so you can live a happy, pain-free life.