You know that eating less and exercising more is the best weight loss strategy. If you're looking to drop or maintain your weight, you are best served pursuing that tried-and-true approach. But there are a few other ways to tweak your habits to support your efforts.
Turn down your thermostat
Sounds odd, right? Yet studies indicate that cozy indoor temps may inhibit calorie-burning while adding a little nip to the air can cause your body to burn extra calories to keep warm. Research suggests that keeping temps below 68 degrees Fahrenheit may help fire up your metabolism. (While you're at it, it never hurts to set up your kitchen for weight loss success.)
Go to bed early
A chronic lack of sleep can throw appetite hormones into gimme-more mode. Poor sleep also affects blood sugar and insulin levels in a way that can increase the risk of excessive weight gain. Your goal should be to get 7 to 9 hours of nightly shut-eye, day in and day out.
Eat in more often
Cut down your dinners out to once a month. In one study, eating just one restaurant meal per week upped the risk of obesity by 50 percent. Preparing meals at home allows you to control fat, sugar, and salt content and lets you know exactly what you're eating.
