#7 Ways to Lose Weight

[asseweightloss]

7 Ways to Lose Weight

It’s no secret that obesity rates in America are on the rise. And while there are many factors contributing to this growing problem, one thing is for certain – if you want to lose weight, you need to be proactive about it.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. With work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to find the time and motivation to hit the gym or cook a healthy meal.

But don’t despair – there are plenty of small changes you can make to your daily routine that will help you shed those unwanted pounds. Here are 7 easy ways to lose weight and get on the path to a healthier you.

1. Cut out processed foods

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables

3. Get enough protein

4. Avoid sugary drinks

5. Avoid refined carbs

6. Get enough sleep

7. Be active

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1. Cut out processed foods

One of the best ways to lose weight is to cut out processed foods. Processed foods are usually high in calories and low in nutrients, so they can contribute to weight gain. They’re also often high in sodium, which can cause water retention and bloating.

To make sure you’re not eating too many processed foods, check the labels when you’re grocery shopping. Avoid anything that has a long list of ingredients, or anything that contains partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or other unhealthy additives.

You should also try to cook more meals at home using fresh ingredients. This can be a bit more time-consuming than buying processed foods, but it’s worth it if you’re trying to lose weight. Homemade meals are usually lower in calories and unhealthy ingredients than their processed counterparts.

If you do eat processed foods, be sure to balance them out with healthy choices. For example, if you have processed food for breakfast, make sure your lunch and dinner are full of fresh, whole foods. And, of course, don’t forget to exercise regularly and stay hydrated!

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2. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are not only low in calories, but they are also high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, so you are less likely to overeat. Fruits and vegetables are also high in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All of these nutrients are essential for good health.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to lose weight and improve your health. To make it easy to eat more fruits and vegetables, keep them on hand and make them part of every meal. Add a sliced apple to your oatmeal, top your salad with diced avocado, or eat a side of roasted vegetables with your dinner.

You can also get your fill of fruits and vegetables by drinking them in smoothie form. Add a banana, some berries, and a cup of spinach to your blender and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious smoothie that will help you reach your weight loss goals.

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3. Get enough protein

Getting enough protein can be one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Protein helps to keep you feeling full longer, boosts your metabolism, and helps to build lean muscle mass. All of these factors can lead to weight loss.

How much protein you need depends on your weight, gender, and activity level. The general recommendation is to consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. So, for a 150-pound person that would be about 55 grams of protein per day. Active people or those looking to build muscle may need closer to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight.

You can get protein from a variety of sources, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It’s important to mix up your sources of protein to get all the essential amino acids your body needs. Aim to include protein at every meal and snack.

If you’re having trouble meeting your protein needs, there are a few supplements you can try. Protein powders, bars, and drinks are convenient and easy ways to increase your intake. Just be sure to choose products that are low in sugar and calories.

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4. Avoid sugary drinks

If you want to lose weight, one of the things you should avoid is sugary drinks. This includes sodas, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices. Though they may seem harmless, these drinks can add a lot of sugar and calories to your diet.

Sugary drinks are often high in calories, but low in nutrients. This means that you can end up taking in a lot of empty calories when you drink them. They can also cause spikes in your blood sugar levels, which can lead to cravings and increased hunger.

If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks altogether. You can opt for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water instead. These drinks are all low in calories and can help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

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5. Avoid refined carbs

When it comes to weight loss, refined carbs are the enemy. These are the types of carbs that have been processed and stripped of their nutrients, making them essentially worthless in terms of helping your body function.

Refined carbs are found in a lot of processed foods, including white bread, pastries, cakes, and even some healthy-sounding snacks like granola bars. They can also be found in some seemingly healthy foods like fruit juices and sports drinks.

The trouble with refined carbs is that they cause your blood sugar to spike, which leads to sugar cravings and eventually weight gain. They also don’t provide your body with any real nutrition, so you end up feeling hungry soon after eating them.

If you’re serious about losing weight, you need to avoid refined carbs as much as possible. This means making some changes to your diet and being more mindful of the foods you’re eating.

Instead of white bread, opt for whole wheat or grain bread. Choose brown rice over white rice, and steel-cut oats instead of instant oatmeal. If you’re craving something sweet, have a piece of fruit or a small snack that contains natural sugars instead of eating a processed dessert.

It takes a bit of effort to avoid refined carbs, but it’s worth it if you want to lose weight and improve your overall health.

6. Get enough sleep

We all know that defined cheekbones and a slender waistline can make us look fabulous, but what many of us don’t realize is that losing weight can also be beneficial for our health. Getting enough sleep is one way to help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.

When we’re tired, our bodies tend to make choices that lead to weight gain. For instance, we’re more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks instead of fruits or vegetables, and we’re less likely to have the energy to go for a walk or hit the gym. When we don’t get enough shut-eye, our bodies produce more of the hormone ghrelin, which increases our appetites, and we also have less of the hormone leptin, which tells us when we’re full.

A lack of sleep can also lead to cravings for high-calorie foods. When we’re sleep-deprived, our brains are more likely to crave foods that are high in fat and sugar. This is because these foods give us a quick burst of energy, which is what we need when we’re tired.

So, how much sleep do we need in order to see weight-loss benefits? Experts recommend that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. But, if you’re trying to lose weight, you may need even more. A recent study found that people who slept for nine hours per night and took in fewer calories during the day lost more weight than those who slept for eight hours.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help yourself fall asleep and stay asleep. First, create a bedtime routine and stick to it. This could include taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or spending a few minutes writing down your thoughts in a journal. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as these can make it difficult to fall asleep. And, finally, make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool—a space that’s conducive to sleep.

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7. Be active

If you want to lose weight, being active is one of the best things you can do. You don’t have to go to the gym to be active; there are tons of other ways to get moving. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a dance class

• Go for a walk or run outside

• Ride your bike

• Do some yard work

• Play with your kids

Being active doesn’t have to be hard work. You can start slow and work your way up. Just remember that the more you move, the more calories you’ll burn, and the more weight you’ll lose.

Losing weight can be a difficult and frustrating process, but it is possible to achieve results by making some simple changes to your lifestyle. By following the tips in this article, you can make a commitment to lose weight and improve your health in the process.

“This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something. I earn commissions. Thanks”

[vamptastic]

it's kinda weird that when you look at health recommendations for various medical conditions associated with fatness it's always 'just lose 10% of your body weight to see a risk reduction' (so like 20-30 pounds for the average overweight or obese person according to the bmi) but then in day to day medicine there's not really a way of like, removing obesity as a diagnosis on your insurance paperwork for example, even if by a certain standard you've lost enough weight to reduce the risk of health conditions that insurance would be concerned about. if you're an average height weighing 300 pounds and lose 30 pounds, which seems to be the amount that's considered reasonable to lose and maintain if you want to like, reduce your cholesterol, you've gone from morbidly obese to morbidly obese.

[dhaaruni]

I think we have a similar body type! You look great, what's your workout routine?

Thank you!!

So, 4 days a week, I do a combination of 45 minutes of cycling and a 5-minute weight-training set (bicep curls, hammer curls, tricep dips, etc.) with 3- lb weights, I do hot yoga (I'm a CorePower C2 girlie) 2 days a week, and I take a rest day. I also walk whenever possible, but that goes without saying.

That said, everybody's ideal workouts are subjective like I started cycling because I can't run due to my eating disorder giving me early-onset osteoporosis so once I started eating, I needed to do cardio to maintain my weight even if I wasn't actively trying to lose weight (fun fact: if you're trying to LOSE weight, you have to change your diet, exercise alone won't do much). Like, I hike when possible but I'm pretty slow due to my bones not being what you'd expect for a healthy 20-something woman thanks to aforementioned eating disorder.

Does that help?

[shadow-bender]

.

[featherymainffins]

Binge-reading Dungeon Meshi because it's the only thing standing between me and suicide ngl.

[lawofangie]

some things i've manifested

these are some basic stories, but i have some "crazy" ones i might share if you guys want lol

note: before manifesting i used to have a pretty "normal" life. i was conventionally attractive, middle classs, etc. i didn't really "need" anything but a social life and better grades. regardless of that, i just manifested whatever i wanted and didn't limit myself. i also added a few little stories behind them.

appearance change:

changed my hair texture to curly

grew from 5'2 to 5'6

clear, even skin and skin tone (tbh i already had a really good skincare routine, my skin was super clear bc of that BUT my face used to be like 10 shades darker than the rest of my body and i had CRAZY backne and strawberry legs)

losing 30 pounds (i used to be 72kg, now i'm 58kg)

changed my shoe size (i used to be size 9 now i'm size 7)

changed my hand size (for reference, my hands used to be a little longer than my phone, i had a "pro max" sized phone.)

social life:

having good friends in my state (im from up north and was completely lonely in the state i live in now)

popularity (i used to be pretty irrelevant but now everybody likes me and wants to be around me)

getting my sp's (i manifested them from scratch and took inspired action to meet them)

having people crush on me more overtly/ getting approached more (this is kind of a weird one, before my appearance change i was pretty attractive like maybe a 7/10, but i got tired of people just ogling me and not approaching me. i only had the unattractive and overconfident guys approaching me, all the attractive ones just stared lol)

just being likable lol (people used to feel threatened by me or feel like i was standoffish for some reason. idrk tbh but it was VERY annoying. i literally used to get accused of "acting like i own the place" for being quiet and just existing 💀. i didn't really care what they thought, but i hated when they complained about it and tried to make it my problem.)

school:

higher gpa (i used to have a 3.0 but i manifested a 3.8, which is a weighted 4.0)

high grades (i used to fail many tests/exams and have a mix of a, b, and c's. now they're all a's)

dream college acceptance

teachers liking me (they actually used to hate my guts it was so annoying 😭)

school crushes liking me back (tbh they probably thought i was already attractive but they never spoke to me or seemed like they wanted to get to know me)

leaving early (my school day ends at like 12 now)

lifestyle:

living closer to the city

having my dream routine (i have my dream skincare products, haircare products, diet, and health routines.)

having a high self concept (tbh i technically always did, i knew what i wanted and deserved. i just felt more like i was being injusticed. so i got rid of the "unwilling victim" mentality. i also used to ruminate on irrelevant things, like mistakes i made, what people thought of me, etc.)

very high confidence (in my looks, abilities, judgement, etc.)

money for my parents and myself

having a busy, productive life (i used to hate school because my grades weren't contributing to anything i wanted to do in life, so i wanted a productive life outside of that.)

always getting my way

getting all sorts of things for free

and more!

i'd say this all took me around 2-3 months, not because manifesting takes time, but because i assumed a lot of things would take time. i also had periods of doubt in myself and tried to handle things in the 3d on my own for some time.. which obviously didn't work. still, all i did was assume and accept these things as true and they happened overnight, in a day, or within that week. the longest anything's taken me is like 7 days, and that was because i kept wavering in my mind. manifestation is truly instant.

but anyways, i hope this is motivational and helpful. i do have some pretty "ridiculous" stories like some revenge stories, "crazy" stories regarding sp's, some not very appropriate stories, really good things happening to me, and others.

thanks for reading! i hope this helps. 🩶

[colorstrike624]

Warning: Some Blood!! (not graphic but still)

This came to me while I was watching Monster's Inc. and Sulley said "Did you lose weight? Or a limb?"

I can imagine that in a situation like this, joking about it would be Leo's way of trying to calm down both himself and those around him.

I can also imagine that if Donnie wasn't there or had no way of knowing what happened at the exact moment, he would be absolutely floored to see that not only has his brother lost an arm......but he's making jokes about it If only he had heard even half of the ones Mikey had to hear on the way back

Also I could be totally wrong on that 7 lbs (3.1 kg) thing that was a big guesstimate

[tolerateit]

halsey's discography and the age of 28 is sooooo. i hope you make it to the day you're 28 years old. posting a birthday card captioned "i made it to the day im 28 years old. im one hundred ninety-six in dog years (1 human year = 7 dog years and 196/7 = 28). i watched my friends die before twenty-one, and now im twenty-eight im at the doctor's every day because i can't stop losing weight. for her to tweet about this album being their 2 year old existential crisis, when she was actually 28 years old (and possibly not sure if she would survive her illness) to the great impersonator being one of their rawest, deeply emotional albums yet some of her most critically acclaimed bodies of work so far.......it takes a lot of courage to share your most personal pieces of art with the world but im so glad they did because it will touch so many lives in a positive way

[frailsituation]

Tips for writing plot twists

1. Start with a false sense of security

• The best plot twists work because the audience feels confident they know what’s coming.

• How? Lay down a trail of clues that mislead without outright lying. Create a sense of inevitability.

• Example: A detective follows all the evidence to one suspect, only for the real criminal to be someone they completely overlooked.

2. Plant the seeds early

• A plot twist is most satisfying when it feels inevitable in hindsight. Subtly sprinkle clues throughout the narrative.

• How? Use small, seemingly insignificant details that take on new meaning after the reveal.

• Example: A side character is always conveniently absent during key events—later revealed to be orchestrating everything.

3. Subvert expectations without betraying logic

• A twist should surprise readers, but it must feel plausible within the story’s framework.

• How? Flip assumptions in a way that feels earned. Avoid twists that rely on coincidences or break the rules of your world.

• Example: A character who appears harmless and incompetent is revealed as the mastermind, with subtle foreshadowing tying everything together.

4. Exploit emotional investment

• Twists land harder when they involve characters the audience deeply cares about. Use relationships and personal stakes to heighten the impact.

• How? Create twists that change how readers perceive the characters they thought they knew.

• Example: The protagonist’s mentor is revealed to be the antagonist, making the betrayal personal and devastating.

5. Use red herrings strategically

• Mislead readers by planting false clues that draw attention away from the real twist.

• How? Make the red herrings believable but not overly obvious. They should enhance, not distract from, the story.

• Example: A mysterious object everyone believes is cursed turns out to be completely irrelevant, shifting focus from the true danger.

6. Timing is everything

• Reveal the twist at the moment it has the most dramatic or emotional weight. Too early, and it loses impact. Too late, and it feels rushed.

• How? Build tension to a breaking point before the twist shatters expectations.

• Example: A twist that flips the climax—when the hero thinks they’ve won, they realize they’ve fallen into the villain’s trap.

7. Allow for multiple interpretations

• A great twist makes readers rethink the entire story, encouraging them to revisit earlier scenes with new understanding.

• How? Design the twist so that the story works both before and after the reveal.

• Example: A character’s cryptic dialogue is recontextualized after the twist, revealing their hidden motives.

8. Pair the twist with consequences

• A twist shouldn’t just shock—it should change the trajectory of the story. Make it matter.

• How? Show how the twist raises the stakes or deepens the conflict, forcing the characters to adapt.

• Example: After discovering the villain is their ally, the protagonist must choose between loyalty and justice.

9. Keep the reader guessing

• A single twist is good, but layered twists create an unforgettable story. Just don’t overdo it.

• How? Build twists that complement each other rather than competing for attention.

• Example: A twist reveals the villain’s plan, followed by a second twist that the hero anticipated it and set a counter-trap.

10. Test the twist

• Before finalizing your twist, ensure it holds up under scrutiny. Does it fit the story’s logic? Does it enhance the narrative?

• How? Ask yourself if the twist creates a moment of genuine surprise while respecting your audience’s intelligence.

• Example: A shocking but clever reveal that leaves readers satisfied rather than feeling tricked.

Follow for more!

[asseweightloss]

7 Ways to Lose Weight

Losing weight can be a difficult and frustrating process, but there are a few simple things you can do to help you slim down.

Cutting out sugary drinks, eating more protein and fiber, and avoiding late-night snacking are just a few of the ways you can start to see results.

With a little dedication and effort, you can reach your weight-loss goals and start feeling better about yourself. Read on for more tips on how to lose weight and keep it off for good.

1. Cut out processed foods

2. eat more plants and less meat

3. reduce portion sizes

4. eat more slowly

5. drink plenty of water

6. get enough sleep

7. exercise regularly

Get this weight loss journey (pdf) for free

1. Cut out processed foods

eating processed foods is one of the leading causes of weight gain and obesity. When you eat processed foods, your body is unable to process and break down the nutrients properly, leading to weight gain. processed foods are also high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain.

Cutting out processed foods is one of the best ways to lose weight and live a healthier life. When you cut out processed foods, you will be eating healthier, whole foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories. This will help your body to lose weight, and you will also be reducing your risk of developing obesity and other chronic health conditions.

Get this weight loss journey (pdf) for free

2. Eat more plants and less meat

Most people who want to lose weight know that they need to cut down on the amount of food they eat. But not all calories are created equal. Just because a food is low in calories doesn’t mean it’s good for weight loss. In fact, some “healthy” foods can actually make it harder to lose weight.

That’s why it’s important to focus on eating more plants and less meat. plant-based foods are generally lower in calories and fat than animal-based foods. And they’re also packed with fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer.

Of course, you don’t have to go completely vegetarian or vegan to see results. Even cutting back on meat a few days a week can make a difference. So if you’re looking to slim down, eat more plants and less meat.

Discover this ACV keto gummies on Amazon.

3. Reduce portion sizes

If you're looking to lose weight, one pound per week is a solid goal. Reducing the amount of food you eat at each meal is one way to help achieve this. Creating a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day will help you lose one pound per week.

You can reduce your portion sizes by measuring your food, using smaller plates, and avoiding overeating. When you're eating out, you can also ask for a to-go box and save half of your meal for later.

 Reducing your portion sizes is one way to create a calorie deficit and lose weight. By measuring your food, using smaller plates, and avoiding overeating, you can control the amount of food you eat and help achieve your weight loss goals.

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4. Eat more slowly

There are many benefits to eating more slowly. One of the most obvious is that it can help you control your portions, leading to weight loss. When you savor each bite and take the time to really taste your food, you are more likely to feel satisfied with less.

Another benefit of eating more slowly is that it allows your body time to register that you are full. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive the signal that you are no longer hungry. If you eat too quickly, you may end up overeating because your brain hasn’t had the chance to process the information that you are already full.

Eating more slowly can also help you reduce stress and enjoy your food more. When you rush through meals, it can lead to indigestion and discomfort. Taking the time to eat slowly can help you relax and savor the experience of enjoying a good meal.

There are a few simple ways that you can slow down your eating. One is to put your fork down between each bite. This will help you to savor each bite and prevent you from shoveling food into your mouth too quickly. Another way to eat more slowly is to chew your food more thoroughly. This will also help with digestion and prevent you from swallowing air, which can lead to bloating.

You can also try to make mealtimes a more relaxing experience. Eating in a calm, relaxed atmosphere can help you to slow down and enjoy your food more. Turn off the television and put away your phone so that you can focus on your meal. Take the time to savor the flavor and texture of your food and savor the experience of eating.

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5. Drink plenty of water

It is essential to drink plenty of water when trying to lose weight. Here are some tips to make sure you are getting enough water every day: 

-Start your day by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.

-Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.

- Drink water with each meal and snack.

- Drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda and juice.

- Drink water before, during, and after exercise.

Drinking plenty of water is important for many reasons. It can help you to feel full so you eat less, it flushes out toxins, and it gives you energy. Make sure you are drinking enough water every day to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Discover this scale for body weight on Amazon

6. Get enough sleep

There are countless fad diets and quick-fix solutions out there promising to help you lose weight fast. But if you're really serious about shedding those extra pounds, you need to focus on sustainable, long-term changes. And one of the most important factors in achieving lasting weight loss is getting enough sleep.

Sleep plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and hunger hormones, and when you're sleep-deprived, your body is more likely to make unhealthy food choices and store more fat. Furthermore, not getting enough zzz's can sabotage your weight loss efforts by making you too tired to exercise.

So if you want to see real results, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night. To help make sure you stick to your sleep schedule, create a bedtime routine and wind down for 30 minutes before hitting the hay. And turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before going to sleep, as the blue light they emit can interfere with sleep.

7. Exercise regularly

Most people know that exercise is important for weight loss, but few know just how important it really is. Exercise not only burns calories but also helps to boost your metabolism so that you continue to burn calories even after you’ve left the gym. Additionally, regular exercise can help to reduce your appetite so that you eat less throughout the day.

The best way to lose weight through exercise is to find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. For some people, this means joining a gym and working out with a personal trainer; for others, it may simply mean taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood each day. Regardless of what you choose, the key is to be consistent with your exercise routine.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you. Your doctor can give you advice on which exercises are best for you, and there are also many books and websites that offer tips and workouts. The most important thing is to get started and make exercise a part of your daily routine.

If you want to lose weight, there are some things you can do to help. First, cut back on sugar and refined carbs. These can make you gain weight and make it harder to lose. Second, eat more protein and fiber. These help you feel fuller longer and can help you lose weight. Third, exercise regularly. This will help you burn more calories and lose weight. Fourth, eat fewer calories. You can do this by eating healthier foods and smaller portions. Fifth, drink water. This will help you feel full and help your body burn more calories. Sixth, avoid processed foods. These are often high in calories and unhealthy fats. Seventh, make sure you get enough sleep. This can help you lose weight by reducing stress levels and boosting your metabolism.

“This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something. I earn commissions. Thanks”

[krestol2251]

Lose belly fat in 7 days

[b0rderl1neb1tch]

How To: Boost Your Metabolism :D

(as someone who lost 25 lbs in 2.5 months)

1. B6 & B12 boosts metabolism (you can take B6 without food, but B12 absorbs better with food) - These vitamins give you more energy and improve nerve health :D

2. Coffee/Energy Drinks/Caffeine Pills (duh) - Anything with caffeine will keep you alert, focused, and lose those pounds! Be aware of those high sugar/cal monsters or those fatty coffee drinks.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar - I find it helps with burning food/ making me less hungry. You can get these in pill form or dilute it

4. Warm lemon water/Teas - Very low cals, better water intake, debloats you. Again be careful of the sugar contents

5. Exercise like pilates, running/walking, weights, yoga, etc. - Easy way to gain muscle/lose fat- Basically resistance training

7. Fasting - Boosts your metabolism and overall health

8. Proteins!! Protein + gaining muscle will increase metabolism. As you st⭐️rve, still keep eating those proteins!!

9. Sleep!! Getting less than 6 hours of sleep will decrease your metabolism

Let me know if I should add anything :)

[sigisworkout]

There are many ways to lose weight, and it ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some tips and suggestions. Lose weight fast...

[weightlosehubs]

Weight loss supplements and menopause- Learn In Details.

In this article, we will discuss the effect of menopause on weight gain and look at the possible advantages of weight loss supplements for menopausal ladies.

I. Introduction

II. Menopause and Weight Gain

III. Weight reduction Supplements

IV. Best Weight reduction Enhancements for Menopause

V.Conclusion

READ MORE

[phantomrose96]

When people join self-improvement or even hobbyist communities, there are some absolutely critical skills of fundamental skepticism they need when going in. I think most people who get into these communities aren't aware of these.

And just, as a fundamental few:

Does this person stand to gain financially from the thing they're trying to sell you on?

Is the business model of this whole community one of artificial competitiveness? Is there a pressure around never lapsing, or never straying from the model being sold to you?

Are the claims made in this community becoming bolder and bolder deviations from standard information?

These are absolutely rife in fitness, nutrition, and financial-advice communities and they often receive very little scrutiny except among those who already "got out." Because from the outside, seeing someone get into fitness is a good thing, good for them, glad to see it, look at that dedication, happy for them. Same on the other categories, and probably numerous others I haven't seen.

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Does this person stand to gain financially from the thing they're trying to sell you on?

If the answer is yes, that does NOT mean "immediately abort", it means keep that in mind when you're interacting with their content.

This nutrition influencer has given you some great recipes for free, and now they're promoting a "really fantastic" brand that they have an affiliate link with? Their motivation isn't to be your friend and helpfully clue you in on a great product. It's to make money off you.

You really like this fitness influencer's work outs, but she gets MORE interaction and MORE viewers the skinnier she gets? She CLAIMS she's been losing weight naturally with healthy eating and exercise, and she's still full of energy, and You Can Too. This is not your friend. This is not someone who knows you. This is someone under large financial and social pressure to do everything she can to put out her best appearance and her happiest appearance, and your attention and belief in the appearance is where the money and clout come from. You really need to remember this in the same way you remember to look both ways before crossing the street. You can cross a street and you can follow a fitness account, but protect yourself when doing it.

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Is the business model of this whole community one of artificial competitiveness? Is there a pressure around never lapsing, or never straying from the model being sold to you?

Communities stay strong if they retain people. There are a lot of fine and positive ways to retain people, but it's often easier to retain people by instilling them with a sense that they must be here. They should feel bad if they lapse or if their attention drifts. What they were before was inadequate. Everyone outside this community is inadequate. Do you want to go back to inadequate?

Is that financial subreddit that taught you valuable lessons about 401k's, index funds, and budgeting also quietly pressuring you to always do more? Are the top posts from extremist examples of people living in destitution so they can show the most extreme screenshot, and curate the envy of everyone else who ought to be ashamed of not doing as well as them?

Is that fitness community that got you into jogging also putting you in the mind that the truest and best people exercise 7 days a week? Never miss a metric? Never compromise on their dedication?

Is that person who "cut out all sugar and feels amazing" informing you that you should never have another cupcake in your life? And if you DO it's because you're BAD and DON'T WORRY, you'll get RIGHT back on the horse after. Shame will motivate you to come right back, and stay with the community, and never leave.

As long as you stay, the community grows. As long as you stay, the ad sponsors and the endorsed products and the influencers can benefit more and more. And sometimes, there's perhaps not even a malicious force behind it. It can happen from evolutionary pressures. The communities that survive are the ones that retain people. A community that trips accidentally into a model of pressuring people to stay is one which retains people and thrives.

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Are the claims made in this community becoming bolder and bolder deviations from standard information?

You joined because you wanted to learn to cook for yourself. And this community has been helpful! You know how to make some delicious things. You've tried vegetables you've never tried before. And maybe you needed some convincing that brussel sprouts can be yummy, but what do you know, turns out you like them roasted.

But what else is being said? What things are being said with more and more frequency? Is it that "humans don't actually need any sugar, and it's a poison being sold to us?" Is it that "seed oils are toxic for you"? Is it that "pasteurization is bad"? Is the raw fruitarian convincing you that cavemen lived exclusively off fruit and you can too?

They'll have sources sometimes. Check them. Are they cherry-picked? Are they from an insular echo-chamber? Why isn't the mainstream literature aware of this? And if the answer has anything to do with "because mainstream wants to TRICK YOU and you're actually BAD for ASKING" then don't engage. Disregard. Take the recipes if you must but apply your skeptical filter to all the parts that are snake oil.

Sometimes it's that another community is only a stone's throw away. That person with a great financial portfolio has only good things to say about crypto, and what they're saying is making sense (average person [not smart] [poor] [bad money skills] laughs at crypto, but you're smarter. you're on the in-track). That amazing bodybuilder is pulling the hottest dates, and he says it's about male-confidence, and he says there are good support guides on becoming a respectable masculine man, and all you need to do is reclaim your masculinity in a society that wants to steal it from you.

In any place like this, come up for air. Come up for air FREQUENTLY. Talk to regular people and engage in academic literature outside this circle. Conspiracy thinking wins if you draw all your information from the entity trying to sell you on the conspiracy.

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And I hope this is clear but my message is not "never join a community." My message is know danger when you see it. Recognize when you're being used or pressured. Don't fall for conspiracy thinking. Protect yourself. You can use a gas stove to cook meals but don't touch the flame and don't burn your house down. You can cross the street but recognize the signs of a car coming down the street.

And I'm making this point because so many people just don't know. ...Because getting into fitness is "good" and "self-improvement"! So is nutrition. So if financial responsibility. People walk into it and the extremism can make them feel accomplished, and admired, and like they're a part of something, and maybe even like a proper self-punishment for their own inadequacies. And people on the outside won't save you because "Wow! He spends 3 hours at the gym every day! I wish I was that dedicated." is a common attitude, and will push you deeper into what has its claws in you.

Everything I'm saying is not because I'm so much smarter and so much holier-than-thou for knowing this when others don't--I'm saying this because I was in it. I fell for it. Not all the examples above, of course. But I recognize the machine in them. It is highly appealing to run farther and fast longer and overload your class schedule when you don't feel good enough and want to prove something, and so many communities will sell you on the idea this IS an accomplishment. Then once you do, you have to do it forever. Or else you'll go back to not being good enough. And since fitness is "good", and weight-loss and good grades, no one can save you but you.

The answer was not to give up on the hobbies I was doing. I cook for myself most nights. I run and bike as regular parts of my routine. I like new recipes and I like half-marathons. But these are just positive additions to my life and they do not define my worth. If I miss a work-out it's whatever. If I order take-out it's whatever. I fundamentally do not care about the influencer with the washboard abs, and if I try a work-out from her, I have no loyalty to it. If the new recipe I try mentions "clean eating" I'll roll my eyes and just figure out if the recipe seems good. If the recipe is botching itself to avoid certain scare-words I will simply find something else.

There is absolutely a reasonable place for challenging yourself and trying things outside your comfort zone. The internet is full of resources to do so much more than you currently know how to do. And if that community is an oven, recognize it's an oven. Wear oven mitts. If it's actively on fire, leave. You're the only one protecting you. Stay safe.

[4ng3ls-p4l4c3]

reasons i need to lose weight . . .

1 ) love the way i look

2 ) fit my clothes better

3 ) get more compliments on my outfits

4 ) have more variety for clothes

5 ) to have less of a box shape

6 ) won't get call "regular" or "standard"

7 ) to not feel addicted to sweets

8 ) to cleanse my insides

9 ) make it easier to eat healthy

10 ) build habits that make me a better person

11 ) feel more motivated to clean, take care of myself, etc

12 ) i'll be able to fit into all of my friends clothes

13 ) i won't look fat if i ask to eat out

14 ) no rolls when i sit

15 ) collarbones will stick out so far water can get stuck in them

16 ) thighs will no longer touch

17 ) won't sweat easily/as much

18 ) fell more comfortable in my own skin

19 ) i won't have an indent on my bed whenever i lay down

20 ) can get through small places easier

21 ) won't be scared to sit on someone/next to someone

22 ) to feel more light

23 ) not to take as much space up

24 ) be able to sit in the child position wo feeling fat 😭

25 ) nails to be blue, hands to be pale constantly

26 ) to look better in pajamas

27 ) no double chin

28 ) to look like the character i relate to

29 ) not to get as winded when going up stairs

30 ) to reach my full potential

i'll add to this whenever i find more reasons, i'm doing this for me. to love myself as much as i can.