9 Weight Loss Tips You've Never Tried

It seems these days, everyone's an expert on what works and what doesn't when it comes to weight loss. The truth is weight loss doesn't have one simple formula. Everyone's body is different and you need to find what works for you. But we have 9 weight loss tips that you probably haven't tried before. Here they are. 

1. Change Your Table Settings

Eating off smaller plates does lead to eating less, according to many studies. Yes there is less food on the plate, but the portion sizes will look larger and trick your brain into thinking you're eating enough. When dining out, ask for a side plate or bowl and transfer the food to it before eating. 

2. Increase your fruit intake

Many people who want to lose weight avoid fruit because it has plenty of sugar. While it is a source of natural sugar, fruit is also high in fiber and helps boost metabolism. Try berries, green apples and oranges for a healthy serving of waist-slimming fiber. 

3. Take a multivitamin

A 2010 study asked participants to take a calcium supplement or multivitamin for 6 months. The group taking the vitamin wound up having way less body fat than the other group. Researchers concluded that taking a vitamin might signal us to eat more when we're lacking nutrients and taking a multi vitamin does help make up for these deficiencies. 

4. Turn off the tech: The average American spends 5 hours a day in front of the television. This is valuable time you could be spending on meal planning or exercise. Try an electronic lock-out system to force yourself to have a small window to do these activities. 

5. Practice the 20-minute rule

Start with the right portion sizes each time you eat. If you finish one portion and are craving a second helping, wait 20 minutes and see if the craving remains. Generally, it will subside and you'll realize you actually are naturally full. It takes our bodies this long to recognize when we're physically full. If your stomach's still rumbling after 20 minutes, help yourself to more food. 

6. Add spice to your food: Adding spicy seasonings like red pepper flakes or a dash of tobasco helps you feel more satisfied even from a smaller portion of food. 

7. Sleep in a cold room: This actually turns on your body's internal furnace and helps you burn more calories during the night by sleeping in a cold room. 

8. Check your medications: Some medications such as allergy pills block the body's natural histamines which can impact fat breakdown. Birth control can also cause fluid retention. Talk to your doctor if any of these factors are affecting your weight loss rate. 

9. Be accountable: Ask a family member or friend to help keep you accountable. Ask them to check in on you weekly.