Proper nutrition is an essential element to quick and lasting weight loss for women. You simply will not get the results you want if you are not willing to adjust how you eat. Working out is important but it is only part of the equation. Adjusting how you eat is an important part of speeding up your weight loss. There is no one-size-fits-all diet that works for every woman. You can see the evidence of this fact by looking at the long list of fad diets that have come and gone throughout the years. The reality is that your lifestyle, preferences, available time, and genetics all impact what type of diet will give you the best results. There are, however, some universal factors that everyone should include in a high-quality diet.

Include lean protein in every meal

Lean protein is a building-block to any effective eating plan. Protein is one of the macronutrients you need in your diet in order to maintain your health. Lean proteins will give you the nutrition you need without adding a lot of junk to your diet. Examples of lean protein options include white meat chicken and turkey, tofu, fish, and eggs.

Increase the amount of fiber-rich vegetables you eat

Most people fall short when it comes to consuming the right amount of fiber-rich vegetables. Any diet that is healthy and sustainable will include these types of vegetables. They provide essential vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy and help you lose weight. Examples of fiber-rich vegetables include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.

Focus on your water intake

Increasing your water intake can help speed up your weight loss no matter what diet plan you choose to follow. Drinking the appropriate amount of water helps your body function properly. Drinking water can also help you feel full and avoid eating empty calories or snacking when you are not actually hungry. Replacing sugary drinks with water will also help you cut out unnecessary calories.

Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake

You can also speed up your weight loss by reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet. Drinking alcohol often involves calorie-laden drinks. One or two mixed drinks can equal and entire days’ worth of calories. If you are serious about seeing quick weight loss results, eliminating alcoholic beverages from your diet can help. It is possible to lose weight and still drink alcohol on occasion by reducing the frequency and choosing options with less sugar and calories.

It is common for women (and men) to want quick results when they start a new diet. If you choose a sustainable eating plan – and include the suggestions outlined above – you will see results. A factor that matters much more than quick weight loss is lasting weight loss. Remember that you need to find a plan that you can continue with for the long haul so you can maintain your results.

One of the best ways to see and maintain results is to go with an intuitive eating plan. An intuitive eating plan is about finding the food options that work best for you and your lifestyle. You can learn more about this style of eating from the Intuitive Nutrition Guide.