The amount of information out there for women who want to lose weight can be overwhelming, confusing, and in some situations completely wrong. If you are just getting started on your weight loss journey, there is no reason to jump into an overly-complicated plan. The reality is that a few changes, applied consistently, can help you make progress on your weight loss goals. Three basic tips that can help you get started losing weight are to: replace processed foods with natural options, increase your level of non-exercise activity thermogenesis, and add resistance training to your workout routine.

Replace processed food with natural options

Processed foods include foods that are prepared and pre-packaged. They typically have a long shelf life because they are full of preservatives that help them last longer. Many processed foods are high in sodium, calories, and have a list of ingredients that are not found in more natural foods. When trying to lose weight, processed foods are problematic because they are hyper-palatable. This means that processed foods are easy to eat. You can quickly consume an excess number of calories without feeling satiated when you eat processed food. Mindless eating is an easy thing to do with this type of food. Swapping out processed food for more natural options will help you on your weight loss journey. For example, you will feel full from eating vegetables long before you feel full from eating potato chips.

Increase your level of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is all of the movement you do throughout the day that is not part of your workout. Examples include walking, going up stairs, yardwork, and even fidgeting. Increasing your level of NEAT each day will help you as you try and lose weight. Many jobs are sedentary and have you sitting down in front of a computer for hours each day. You can go through an entire day and barely move at all if you are not intentional. Moving more throughout the day is good for your body as well as your brain and mood. Simple ways to increase your NEAT throughout your day is to park farther away, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk around the office a few times when you take a break at work. You can wear a step tracker to keep up with your steps and measure your progress.

Add resistance training to your workout routine

Adding resistance training to your workout routine can help you lose weight. Resistance training builds muscle which, in the long run, will help you lose unwanted fat and keep it off. Muscle burns calories at a higher rate than fat tissue which means that adding muscle can increase your metabolism. An increased metabolism means that you will burn more calories while you are at rest.

You do not have to choose a complicated plan to help you lose weight. If you consistently follow the basic tips outlined above you will quickly start to see results. You can get more information on finding a nutrition and workout plan that works for you by checking out the resources available from MAPS Fitness Products.