Many people dream of achieving their ideal body weight but struggle to find sustainable ways to lose weight. Crash diets and aggressive workout routines might show quick results, but they usually aren’t safe or sustainable in the long term.

If you’re looking to shed some pounds without compromising your health, here’s a guide to lose 9 pounds the smart way.

1. Set Realistic Goals

The first rule of getting fit is to set achievable goals. You should understand that losing 9 pounds within a week or two isn’t the smart way to lose weight.

An ideal body weight is not just about achieving a certain number; it’s about living a healthy lifestyle. Depending on your metabolism, physical condition, and diet, losing 1-2 pounds per week is healthy. To lose 9 pounds, you should aim to lose the weight within 4-5 weeks. This is a realistic and achievable goal.

2. Keep a Food Diary

The next step you should take when trying to lose weight is to keep track of what you eat and drink. Keeping a food diary can help you identify areas where you need to adjust your diet.

You can use one of the many free apps online or keep a physical notebook to write down everything you consume, including snacks and drinks. Once you’ve jotted down all the foods you eat, you can determine which ones are healthy and which ones need to be reduced or completely taken off your diet.

3. Stick to a Balanced Diet

When it comes to losing weight, a balanced diet is vital. It would be best if you consumed a well-rounded meal plan that is rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber.

You need to focus on consuming whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. You will be able to lose weight by reducing your calorie intake, but it’s important not to eliminate any food groups, or you could deprive your body of essential nutrients.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, leading to overeating. You should drink plenty of water throughout the day, keeping your body well hydrated. Drinking water assists in flushing out toxins and boosts metabolism, which helps with weight loss.

You can try drinking a glass of water before meals to curb your appetite and avoid overeating.

5. Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine

Exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle. You can incorporate physical activities such as running, walking, cycling, swimming, and other aerobic activities into your routine.

First, decide how much time you can devote to your fitness goals daily, and then design your workout accordingly.

6. Get Plenty of Sleep

With hectic lives and our work schedules, it’s sometimes tough to find time to rest and recharge. The link between lack of sleep and obesity has been documented, so aim to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night.

When we get enough quality sleep, our bodies can regulate hormones associated with weight gain, and we wake up feeling energized to tackle our workout routines.

7. Minimize Stress in Your Life

Mental health takes a toll on our physical and emotional health. If you’re under a lot of stress, your body will release the hormone cortisol, which disrupts metabolism and leads to weight gain.

Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or simply taking a break from work can help alleviate stress. Just by committing to activities that lower stress levels can help put you on the right path of achieving your health goals.

8. Find a Support System

It’s important to have friends and family that provide much-needed support and encouragement when working towards a healthy lifestyle. They can keep you accountable and motivated throughout your journey.

You can also join support groups or fitness classes to keep each other motivated towards healthy living. Additionally, a personal trainer or dietitian can help you design a personalized nutrition and exercise plan to achieve your goals.

9. Stay Committed

Remember to stay committed to your goals and enjoy the journey along the way. Losing weight can be a challenging and yet rewarding journey, it’s essential to appreciate the progress you make and the changes you notice within your body.

Weight loss is not a one-time sprint; it’s a life-long marathon that will require focus and determination. Stay the course and celebrate every small achievement that you make along the way.

The Bottom Line

Losing weight doesn’t have to be a complicated or challenging process that leaves you feeling overwhelmed.

The smart and healthy way to lose 9 pounds is by setting realistic goals, keeping a food diary, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise, getting plenty of sleep, minimizing stress, and finding support from friends and family. By committing to a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve your ideal body weight and live your best life every day.