Researchers say these clever strategies make shedding stubborn pounds so easy, you'll feel like you put slimming on autopilot.
The list that speeds slimming
Writing down your weight-loss goal, plus the health benefits you're looking forward to (like more energy and lower cholesterol), could help you lose weight up to 60 percent faster. British scientists found that setting a specific weight-loss goal (and focusing on the body benefits of reaching that target) keeps motivation sky-high.
Block high blood sugar with magnesium or take a break from dieting
You're more likely to reach your goal weight and stay there for a whopping 20 years or more if you take 400 mg. of magnesium daily, Columbia University research suggests. That's because magnesium helps muscle, liver and brain cells soak up blood glucose and burn it for energy before it can be converted into fat and stored in the body. More good news: A daily dose of magnesium also energizes mitochondria (the tiny fat-burning furnaces inside your cells).
Treating yourself a few times each week won't derail your weight-loss plans. In fact, it could help you trim as much as 21 pounds in the next four months. So say Chinese scientists, who found that alternating diet days with treat days keeps insulin sensitivity high, ensuring blood glucose is burned instead of being stored as fat.
Rev metabolism by refilling your mug or hit the snooze button
Permission to grab another cup of coffee! A study out of of Harvard School of Public Health suggests that adding one more cup of java to your daily diet may help you lose weight faster and more easily, whatever healthy eating plan you choose. The investigators explain that caffeine increases metabolism by energizing brown adipose tissue (BAT) -- a unique type of beneficial fat that burns food and stored fat to generate body heat.
You'll shed unwanted pounds 45% faster if you aim for 71/2 hours of shut-eye every night (or treat yourself to afternoon naps if you can't sleep that long at a stretch), ), Greek scientists say. When you're well-rested, your body produces more IGF-1, a powerful hormone that encourages the growth of metabolism-boosting muscle tissue.
Nix late-night munching with mints or picture this
Avoiding evening snacking could trim 268 calories out of your daily diet, suggests a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A speedy way to nix the late-night munchies? Pop a mint! A review suggests that the distinctive taste and aroma of mint calms the appetite control center in the brain, making cravings weaker and much easier to ignore.
When cravings beckon, visualize your favorite high-calorie treat -- then picture yourself shoving it far away and use your arms to pantomime that motion while you do. This activates brain regions that heighten self-control, German researchers say, quashing cravings in minutes
Feel full sooner with soothing songs or stand for a few minutes
Listening to relaxing background music while you eat could effortlessly trim 250 calories off your daily diet, Japanese investigators say. That's enough to help you drop up to 25 pounds this year alone. The experts say that when you're listening to soothing music, you naturally eat slower (often without even realizing it). That allows your brain to send out its feel-full signals much earlier in the meal.
You'll feel full sooner (and for longer after meals) if you're active every day. And it doesn't take much motion to get this payoff. Research out of California Polytechnic State University suggests that standing for an extra 11 minutes each hour could help you shed up to 20 pounds in a year, plus keep that weight off long-term.
Curb stress eating with cypress sniffs or laugh
Researchers say cypress essential oil contains alpha-pinene, a natural anxiety-taming compound that tames tension in minutes. Simply open an aromatherapy vial with the scent and take a deep whiff whenever you're tempted to stress eat.
Carving out 30 minutes daily for some giggles (try watching a sitcom!) can prevent weight gain. Plus, it can help you shed up to 2 pounds a month, found a study in BMC Geriatrics. Laughter halts the production of the fat-storing stress hormone cortisol.