Losing weight is tricky enough without having to figure out which pointers are the real deal and which are full of hot air. Wondering what’s what? We’ve got your back…
1. Eat Lots of Mini Meals Throughout the Day
You’ve heard that you should eat several small meals a day to lose weight—but no. Counting calories actually matters more than how many meals you eat daily, according to a new study.
2. Watch Your Scale Like a Hawk
A recent study found that women who put the emphasis on the process of dropping pounds rather than the number on the scale actually have better luck.
3. Do a Juice Cleanse
Sorry to break it to you, but any weight you drop on a juice cleanse will probably reappear as soon as you’re back to eating regular meals. Check out these way more successful (and, most importantly, way healthier) ways to lose weight.
4. Snack So You Don’t Stuff Yourself at Mealtime
Your 4 p.m. snack might not impact how much you eat when you sit down to the dinner table, after all. People who snack before a meal take in about the same number of calories at the meal as people who don’t, according to a 2013 study.
5. Be Careful About Exercising—Working Out Makes You Eat More
A recent journal article reported that there’s no proof that exercising makes you go for more grub. Say buh-bye to that excuse for skipping the gym!
6. Only Sip on Low-Cal or No-Cal Drinks to Keep Your Calorie Count Down
On average, overweight and obese dieters who sip on diet drinks consume the same amount of daily calories as people who drink the sugary kind, according to a recent study. The theory behind the finding: Diet drinkers think they’re saving calories on beverages but then end up compensating by taking extra cals in via food. (The solution, of course, is not to swap diet for regular drinks—it’s to cut out soda altogether!)
7. Don’t Eat Sweets While You’re Trying to Lose Weight
Actually, eating dark chocolate in moderation can help keep your sweet tooth in check (and your salty tooth, and your fatty tooth), according to prior research. (You’re welcome.)
