Losing weight in China can seem like an insurmountable challenge, given the abundance of cheap street food options, the pressure to eat with friends and colleagues at every meal, and the language barrier that can make it difficult to ask questions about food ingredients and portion sizes.
However, with some attention to preparation, information-gathering, and dining-out strategies, you can lose weight in China while still maintaining your health. Here are a few tips and tricks!
Avoid processed foods
Processed foods are a big no-no for weight loss. These foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, or fat which can cause health problems if consumed regularly.
Processed foods are also highly addictive which means that people end up overeating on them because they’re used to overly sweetened or salty tastes. Avoiding processed foods is one of the best ways to lose weight in China.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables
Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to lose weight in China.
Fruits are high in water content, which will help you feel full without overeating, plus they have lots of essential vitamins. Vegetables are also a great choice for losing weight, as they’re low-calorie foods that pack a punch of nutrients.
Get enough protein
Obtaining enough protein is important for your diet. Protein provides the building blocks of muscle, which helps your body burn fat faster.
Protein also reduces feelings of hunger, making it easier to lose weight. Red meat, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy are all high-quality sources of protein.
Drink lots of water
It’s important to drink plenty of water when you’re trying to lose weight. Not only does it help flush toxins from your system, but it also aids digestion.
Drink at least 2 liters a day, either all at once or throughout the day, depending on how thirsty you are. It’s also good to have a cup before meals or as soon as you wake up because this will help curb hunger pangs.
Avoid sugary drinks
To lose weight, many people will go on a diet. One common mistake is to drink soda or other sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are loaded with empty calories that turn into fat if not burned off by exercising.
If you want to lose weight, you should avoid sugary drinks as much as possible.
Avoid eating late at night
Late-night eating is one of the easiest ways to pack on pounds. In addition to disrupting your sleep, nighttime snacking can cause fluctuations in insulin levels, which can lead to weight gain.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to avoid eating after 8 pm at all costs.
Get enough sleep
Not only does sleep help your body recover from the day’s stresses, but it can also improve your mood as well. You may not notice an immediate weight change, but try to get a full 8 hours of sleep every night for a week and see if you feel any better.
If you have trouble sleeping, try reading a book before bed or taking a warm bath before bedtime. If you’re still struggling with sleep deprivation after trying these tips, talk to your doctor.
