9 Weight Loss Habits You'll Barely Notice

Anyone who's ever tried to do it knows that weight loss isn't easy. But oftentimes, we make it much harder for ourselves than it needs to be. Crash diets, temporary starvation, chemical weight loss supplements, and other desperate moves are often favored

Personally, I've found that the best path to weight loss is a gradual one involving long-term, small habit changes. Here are some of the most effective of these - used together, they can make a big difference.

Walk a little more each day.

Walking is some of the best, easiest, and most enjoyable exercise you can do. Taking walks with friends and loved ones is a fantastic way to turn your exercise into a time to socialize and chat, so this will work great if you can partner with someone who will take daily walks with you (this is an especially good way for you and a significant other to bond).

In addition to incorporating a daily walk, start replacing those quick car trips to the store with walks, if you can. These will save you on gas money, as well.

Drink More Water.

You've probably heard a lot about the importance of good hydration for general health as well as weight loss. But what many people don't know is that most Americans nowadays walk around in a state of perpetual, mild dehydration. Oftentimes, the thirst impulse is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger, resulting in unneeded snacking.

Cut down on the sugar drinks.

Remember, we're talking about lifelong habits, so don't think you have to cut out the soda completely if it's something you enjoy. Just observe how often you generally have it, then try to cut that number down gradually.

Replace your afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

In addition to being a tasty substitute for food, a caffeinated beverage will boost your metabolism and act as an appetite suppresant. This will mean smaller portions are desired with dinner time comes.

Drink green tea.

Rich in antioxidants, green tea is good for you in a million ways and will help rid your body of toxins, resulting in weight loss. It's also delicious.

Eat smaller portions.

When dishing up meals, serve yourself smaller portions, and wait a little while before taking seconds. Eating too quickly often causes us to overeat, as we outpace our body's natural response indicating that we've eaten enough. So wait and see - are you really still hungry?

Eat breakfast.

Seriously. Skipping meals just slows your metabolism, and breakfast is the most often skipped meal. Eating a breakfast of at least 300 calories in the morning will jump-start your body's calorie-burning process and leave you feeling more energized.

Eat more soup.

Soup is a great way to satisfy hunger while consuming fewer calories because the warm liquid gives you a "full" feeling. Try incorporating more soup, especially broth-based soup (as opposed to cream) on a regular basis.

Lose the shame.

Do you feel ashamed, stressed, or depressed when you think of your weight? Well, these feelings could be hindering your weight loss. Not only does desperation cause us to make extreme choices (like crash dieting), but the stress itself can keep your body overweight - after all, increased weight gain is an evolutionary response to a high-stress environment.