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7. Vary Your Caloric Intake


Once your body gets used to consuming the same amount of calories every day, your weight loss naturally levels off to match what you burn. For example, your body simply adapts to 1,800 calories and stops slimming down. To keep your body working hard at shedding those pounds, vary your caloric intake. Consume 1,800 calories one day; then reduce to 1,600 calories the next day; and 1,700 the following day. Keep this pattern going, and your body will have to exert more energy to make adjustments, which can trigger bigger weight loss.

8. Drink More Water!


We all know that water is healthy, but what you may not know is that it could help you shed excess pounds. Each day, drink enough water so that your urine is clear. A recent study showed that your metabolic rate jumps within 10 minutes of drinking ice-cold water, and it stays up for an additional half-hour after you drink it. Research has also found that drinking an average of 6.5 cups of water per day helped people consume 200 less calories a day.

9. Switch to Whole Grains


Instead of white pastas, breads and flour, switch to whole grains. Packed with fiber, whole grains keep you full longer, stabilize blood sugar, and are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Plus, a diet rich in whole grains has been tied to lower rates of chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Restock your pantry with fiber-rich whole-grain carbs such as:
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta

10. Try a Cleanse


Still can't quite shed those last couple pounds? The answer might lie in a cleanse, a quick way to eliminate toxins that might cause bloating and inflammation. Traditional cleanses can involve extreme low-calorie fasting, which can slow your metabolism and actually harm your body. Luckily, Dr. Oz has formulated a 48-hour weekend cleanse is based upon eating certain foods that keep your detoxifying systems running smoothly and revitalize your body.

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