There are a lot of weight loss articles out there that delve into complex issues like calorie counting and complex carbs versus simple carbs and after a while all the detailed, and often conflicting, information can leave your head spinning round and around. These articles can make the whole weight loss process seem so overwhelming that many people just give up and don’t even try to lose weight. But having excess weight is bad for your health. It can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which in turn increases your chances of suffering a stroke. It can also lead to high blood sugar (diabetes), high cholesterol and heart disease. Here are seven simple things you can do to start losing weight. They are easy to do. They take no complex thought, no massive amounts of willpower. Anybody can do them. Then once the weight starts coming off, maybe you will have the motivation to make even bigger changes that can lead to even more weight loss.

1. EAT AT THE TABLE

Most people these days eat their meals from in front of the TV or computer. This is bad because you can go into a trance of sorts while watching the TV or computer and end up eating way more than you would have at the table.

2. EAT SLOWLY

It actually takes a while for the stomach to signal your brain that it is full. By eating slower you will consume less “unnecessary” food. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and really taste your food. Eat too fast and you will strain your stomach and intestines and possibly create uncomfortable indigestion, bloating and cramps.

3. DRINK LESS WHILE YOU EAT

Drinking more than 4 ounces of liquid with a meal dilutes stomach acid and digestive enzymes causing you not to digest your food well. Instead drink water 30 minutes before a meal – this will also help you feel fuller so you will eat less.

4. EAT WHILE RELAXED

If you eat while you are tired, upset or stressed can lead to improper digestion of food which can lead to more fat being stored on your body.

5. EAT YOUR HEAVIEST MEAL EARLIER

That’s right, don’t save your heaviest meal for dinner, instead eat a heavier lunch and a light meal at dinner time. This will allow you to more easily digest your food in the evening – having digestion finished before going to bed allows for optimum cellular cleansing and rebuilding during sleep.