Weight Loss for Beginners: 4 Important Things to know

If you’ve ever considered trying to lose those few stubborn pounds or tried losing weight and then keeping it off once and for all, there are 4 things you absolutely have to know.

And if you’re like most of us who are on the weight loss journey, you have likely done some research on what to eat, what to do, what not to do . . . But the market and internet is filled with weight loss tips, tricks, and—sometimes—sketchy information. Our goal today is to dispel a few weight loss myths, give healthy advice (because your health is more important than the numbers on the scale), and offer overall encouragement because whatever your goals are, you can achieve them.

Weight is Not the Same as Fat

When people say they want to lose weight, they usually mean they want to lose fat. Muscle weighs more than fat and I have yet to meet the person who has made up their mind to lose muscle—especially since muscular strength improves bone density, which can help to prevent osteoporosis. You can trim down without losing weight by converting fat into muscle through strength training. So how do you tell when you are losing fat? Ditch the scale. There are other markers that help you to know you are realizing your goals.

• Your clothes fit more loosely
• You feel physically better
• You can do more exercise without tiring as quickly
• You have greater amounts of energy

You Snooze: You Lose

There aren’t many occasions where this saying has a positive meaning, but when we’re talking about sleep and weight loss, the saying holds true in all the best ways. A good night’s sleep has many benefits beyond feeling well-rested (though that is the best benefit of all). You gain a higher ability to focus and concentrate. You have a general feeling of wellness and a good mood. And you also lose weight while you sleep because it is when your body is working to recharge itself which takes energy. That helps you to burn calories and fat. Counting your ZZZs goes a long way when you are also counting calories.

Full is Full

No one likes the grumbling of an empty tummy (your stomach likes it least of all). Eat foods that allow you to feel full for longer. Protein is king (or queen or the emperor, depending on how you like your royalty). A protein diet creates a thermic effect, which increases metabolism while reducing your appetite. It also shifts weight-regulating hormones in your favor¹.

Protein meal replacements like Sunwarrior’s Lean Meal help to increase that protein intake without adding unnecessary calories.

Oatmeal is another one that increases satiety while decreasing appetite².

It is common for people to mistake thirst for hunger. Keeping a water bottle handy allows you to keep that hand-to-mouth habit without adding unneeded calories. Drinking a glass of water before you eat helps you to feel fuller faster to keep you from overeating. Also drinking a glass of water in between meals maintains that full feeling.

Get-Skinny-Quick Schemes Don’t Last

Like the old fable of the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race. Dropping 1–2 pounds per week is doable and good for maintaining health. Losing weight fast doesn’t mean it will stay off since doing what it takes to drop weight quickly isn’t sustainable or healthy. So exercise your patience while you exercise your body as you embark on this life-long journey of good health!

Lean Meal Smoothie! Enjoy a cool refreshing satiating smoothie to help you get started! For creamy flavor satisfaction, this is the smoothie for you. Bursting with the awesomeness of banana and chocolate and infused with a shot of cinnamon, smoothies have never been better!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

• 2 frozen bananas
• 2 teaspoons Sunwarrior Cocoa Powder
• ¾ cup prepared Sunwarrior coconut milk
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 scoop Sunwarrior Lean Meal Chocolate

In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Approximately 30 seconds. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add coconut milk a couple tablespoons at a time until you reach desired thickness.

Wherever you’re at on your weight loss journey, Sunwarrior is here with you—every step of the way.

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25926512/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273900/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20Oatmeal%20suppresses%20appetite%2C%20increases,satiety%20and%20subsequent%20energy%20intake