8 weight loss tricks that have nothing to do with dieting

1.

Drink two cups of water 30 minutes before you eat

Drinking more water is an easy, painless way to cut your portions, help you feel full and avoid overeating. “We often mistake thirst for hunger,” says Enga. “It’s just a good idea to keep a water bottle on hand and refill it regularly.”

2.

Be “NEAT”

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) includes all the ways you stay active when you’re not eating, sleeping or exercising. “For most of us, this is the majority of our day,” says Enga. “Being active throughout the day could be the difference between remaining the same weight and losing weight.”

Try these tips:

• If you have a desk job, take frequent walking breaks.
• If you’re at home, walk the dog, play with the kids or get some steps in when talking on the phone.
• Throughout the day, park far away from buildings and take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Wear a pedometer to track steps throughout the day, aiming for at least 10,000 steps each day.

3.

Sleep seven to eight hours every night

Sleep is often underrated, but when it comes to your health, it is just as important as eating healthy and exercising. In fact, research has found a persistent link between lack of sleep and weight gain. One way to get more sleep is by setting a bedtime alarm on your smartphone. This will signal you to turn off the television or put away electronics. If you are constantly tired or unable to sleep, try these tips.

4.

Brush your teeth after dinner

If you have problems with late-night snacking, brush and floss your teeth immediately after dinner. This tells your body that you’re done eating for the day. It's also one less thing to do at bedtime. Another way to avoid late-night munchies is to consider your kitchen “closed” after dinner. You can even post a sign if it helps. The idea is to declare the space off limits, to prevent mindless, late-night munching.

5.

Chew sugar-free gum

This little trick isn’t going to yield dramatic results, but it is a handy tool if you want to reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. Opt for xylitol-sweetened chewing gum, as studies have shown it boosts dental health and prevents tooth decay. However, be sure to keep xylitol-sweetened products out of reach of your pets. While xylitol is a safe sugar substitute for humans and many animals, it is highly toxic to dogs.

6.

Find an accountability partner

For many people, answering to someone else is the ticket to meeting health and fitness goals. Hire a personal trainer or meet a friend for early morning walks or runs. You can even join or start your own accountability group.

7.

Try the “apple” weight loss trick

Keep an apple in your purse, at your desk or in your car. When you’re faced with a tempting snack, like the donuts in the break room or the pastries at the coffee shop, ask yourself: “If this item were an apple, would I still be hungry?” If the answer is yes, eat the apple instead of the unhealthy item. If the answer is no, then you are not really hungry. Of course, you can substitute an apple for any other fruit or vegetable you like but are not tempted to overeat.

8.

Abide by the 80/20 rule

“This is a good goal for people who are looking to sustain a healthy lifestyle change,” says Enga. “The basic idea is to eat healthy foods 80 percent of the time. Then, you can indulge a bit 20 percent of the time. Overall, remember healthy eating is a combination of many foods — and, quite frankly, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of those foods that aren’t considered healthy.”