8 Easy Ways to Lose Weight

Did you know that there are easy ways to lose weight? Not everyone has the money for an expensive commercial diet, a personal trainer or meal delivery service. And you may not have the willpower to stick to calorie counting for the long haul. But that doesn't mean that you can't change your body. Use these easy ways to lose weight and slim down without the fuss or the expense.

1

Learn to Read Labels

The easiest way to lose weight is to pay attention to food labels. If you want to count calories successfully you need this skill. You should know how to find a food's caloric content and more importantly, its serving size. But be careful because some of the numbers are not always accurate. Comparing labels is crucial for making the healthiest choices required to lose weight.

100 calorie snack packs — David Buffington/Getty Images

You can help prevent overeating and maintain blood sugar levels by eating a healthy snack about every three hours. Getting too hungry will backfire on your efforts to eat better and practice portion control. Make sure you know how many calories should come from snacks, then aim for a healthful, satisfying snack, such as an apple and some reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

soluble and insoluble fiber — Amy Whitt/Getty Images

Fiber-rich foods do more than provide nutrients that improve your health and reduce your risk for disease. They can also help you lose weight. They're naturally low in calories, so you can eat more of them and have less room in your diet for less healthful foods. Plus, the fiber in whole-grain foods and produce will help you feel fuller longer (which helps you control portions and avoid eating when you're not hungry) and as a result, lose weight.

Eat a healthy protein meal. Digital Vision

One of the worst ways to lose weight? Skipping meals. Many people think that skipping a meal or two is a great way to cut calories. But in the end, they often fail to lose weight. You'll be more likely to overeat or even binge eat if you do not eat regular meals. Plan healthy meals that keep your healthy eating plan in place.

drink water to lose weight — mconnors/morguefile

Water helps you lose weight in several ways. First, drinking more water can help alleviate bloating. In addition, replacing drinks that cause weight gain with water cuts hundreds of calories. In fact, if you do the math, you'll be surprised at the number of calories you can lose and dollars you can save by ditching soda! Don't wait until you're feeling thirsty to drink water. Thirst can be mistaken for hunger, causing you to overeat. Don't like water? Try making flavored water to satisfy your cravings.

Woman walking home — moodboard/ Cultura/ Getty Images

It is virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off without exercising regularly. But you don't have to exercise hard to lose weight. Just add more physical activity to your day. Start out today by taking a brisk walk home from the grocery store or learn how to bike to lose weight. Work your way up from 10 minutes to 30-40 minutes a day, most days a week to see benefits. Plus, exercise boosts your metabolism, making it even easier to lose weight.

portion control — clearstockconcepts / Getty Images

Measuring food may seem like a chore, but it will prove invaluable in your efforts to lose weight. But you don't have to weigh everything you eat. If you don't have a handy scale, use your hand to measure portions. There are certain foods that are easy to overeat and you may find you usually consume two or even three times the recommended serving. By measuring your food before you eat it, you'll make sure you're eating the right amount.

weight loss journal tips and download — Westend61/ Getty Images

What's the most important thing you should do if you want to lose weight? Keep a food diary. All you have to do is jot down what, when, and how much you eat in a notebook. A food diary will give you a clear picture of your current eating habits so you can identify the changes you need to make to lose weight.

_{*Edited by Malia Frey, Weight Loss Expert}