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How to lose weight without starving? Dietitian shares 7 natural and healthy ways to shed kilos: ‘Eat more, not less'

Looking to shed kilos without starving yourself? Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj shares 7 sustainable ways to lose weight while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Published on: Apr 2, 2025, 15:41:30 IST
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Weight loss doesn't mean starving yourself. Sustainable weight loss is about adopting a healthy lifestyle and making smart food choices that keep meals wholesome, satisfying, and effective for shedding kilos. Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, dietician and weight management expert, shared with HT Lifestyle some natural ways to shed kilos. (Also read: Fitness coach reveals 8 best ways to lose weight sustainably: ‘Exercise alone is not enough' )

Transform your weight loss journey with healthy habits and smart food choices. (Unsplash)
Transform your weight loss journey with healthy habits and smart food choices. (Unsplash)

1. Eat more, not less

Fibre-rich foods like salads, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes help keep you full for longer, reducing the need for snacking between meals.

2. Protein-first meals

Protein indeed plays the role of metabolism enhancement in muscle-building and satiety. Add eggs, lentils, lean meats, and dairy to make your diet protein-rich.

Protein is essential for muscle repair, immunity, and overall body function. (Shutterstock)
Protein is essential for muscle repair, immunity, and overall body function. (Shutterstock)

3. Drink lots of water

There are times that we mistake hunger pangs for thirst. Giving our system enough water nourishes digestion and helps feelings of hunger disappear naturally.

4. Move more

Activities like walking, dancing, or stretching can boost metabolism and burn calories without requiring endless hours in the gym.

5. Cut hidden sugars

Sugary beverages, quick processed foods, and refined carbohydrates contribute to weight gain and energy burnout. Use natural sweeteners such as honey or jaggery, but in moderation.

Processed food is often high in additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. (Unsplash)
Processed food is often high in additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. (Unsplash)

6. Stress management and prioritising sleep

Lack of sleep and mismanaged stress convert into a hormonal imbalance that leads to obesity. Sleep 7-8 hours and practice relaxation techniques like meditation and pranayam.

7. Mindful eating over dieting

Listen to your body's messages, eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full, and avoid emotional eating.

Weight loss is all about balance, with no strict restrictions. With the right habits, you can shed kilos without forced energy deprivation.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

  • Akanksha Agnihotri
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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