--- title: Practical Weight Loss Tips date: 2022-04-05T08:48:00-05:00 author: Hannah Keller canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/practical-weight-loss-tips" section: Blog --- [« View All Blogs](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog) # Practical Weight Loss Tips April 5, 2022 | Lifestyle Tips ![Family outside on a jog](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/_50x16_crop_center-center_none/22_Schneck_WeightLoss_Blog.jpg) Losing weight in a healthy way can have life-changing benefits, from decreasing your risk for cardiac disease to increasing your mobility and energy. Sustainable weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, though. It’s important to find practical, realistic lifestyle changes you can incorporate over time. These are just a few simple tips that can help set you on the path to a healthier self. ### **1. Find enjoyable ways to get active** Long-distance running isn’t for everyone, and it’s far from the only option to get physical exercise. You’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine if you find activities you enjoy and look forward to. It might take some exploration, but consider trying out: - Hiking or walking local nature trails - Cycling or spin classes - Swimming - A recreational sports league like pickleball, volleyball, or Ultimate Frisbee - Dance classes - Rock climbing ### **2. Drink enough water** Staying hydrated is important for weight loss and overall wellness. Water helps with digestion and often makes it easier to eat the correct portion sizes since you feel full sooner. Swapping sugary drinks with water also reduces your calorie intake. To determine the minimum ounces of water you should be drinking each day, take your body weight and divide it by two.[1](https://www.healthline.com/health/body-water-percentage%23maintenance) ### **3. Prioritize vegetables and balance food groups instead of following fad diets** The most practical diet for most people to achieve lasting weight loss includes about 50% vegetables and fruits, 25% grains (mostly whole grains), and 25% lean protein like chicken, nuts, and fish.[2](https://www.myplate.gov/) Experiment with different healthy, plant-heavy recipes until you find a few favorites. ### **4. Plan meals ahead of time** Planning ahead makes it easy to avoid falling into less healthy eating habits like grabbing fast food at the drive-thru or potato chips from a convenience store. If you’re going bowling with friends and know you might be tempted to order some unhealthy fried appetizers, fill up with a protein shake or other healthy snack before you go. ### **5. Focus on creating healthy habits, not the number on the scale** Instead of focusing only on the number of pounds you want to lose, try setting more motivational lifestyle goals. Maybe you want to be able to run a 5k with your best friend. Maybe you simply want to increase your mobility enough to play with your kids outside. Whatever your reason for wanting to lose weight, be patient with yourself and find ways to incorporate practical tips like these into your everyday life. Looking to change up your wellness routine? [Learn about our nutritional services](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/nutrition-services) or call us at (812) 522-2349 to schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor. ![headshot of G. Brandon Millick, MD](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_20x20_crop_center-center_none/Millick-headshot.jpg) About the Author **G. Brandon Millick MD** Dr. Brandon Millick is a board certified general surgeon with Schneck Surgical Associates and Schneck Bariatrics. He attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. ## Related Blog Posts When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs. ![Doctor in a white coat holding a tablet, explaining something to a patient in an orange shirt.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/Bari-Hero.png) Patient Education### Top 5 Bariatric Surgery Questions Answered [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/top-5-bariatric-surgery-questions-answered) ![Measuring tape around man](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/21_Schneck_Bariatrics_Blog_1280x600.jpg) Patient Education### Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You? 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