Weight loss is a major goal that many people consider, whether it’s five pounds or more. However, losing weight can be an intimidating avenue to pursue. Everybody is different, and so are their physical needs, which can lead to struggle and confusion. Here are some surprising ways to lose weight efficiently.

Creating a Caloric Deficit

The first piece of advice is to learn to eat in a caloric deficit by consuming fewer calories than your natural basal metabolic rate. For example, if your body needs 1,500 calories per day to sustain itself based on your biological makeup, eliminating 200 to 300 calories from your daily intake will assist in the weight loss process. Be sure to track your calories in a daily journal or through a phone app, or do the mental math yourself. By keeping track of your calories, you’re already on your way to reaching your weight goal. Skip the fast food on the way home from work; you’ll save calories and money.

Cooking Delicious Meals

One of the surprising ways to lose weight efficiently is to eat delicious foods that benefit you. Eating foods that are filling yet low calorie is ideal for maintaining your calorie deficit. By tracking your macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—you’ll find enjoyable ways to eat more healthily while maintaining good habits. Healthy foods don’t have to be plants or taste bland. By making foods that incorporate spices and seasonings, you won’t struggle to eat nutritious, delicious meals. Also, increasing your fiber fills your stomach and helps your body digest more slowly, thereby helping you avoid consuming more than your daily need and contributes to weight loss.

Incorporating Full-Body Training

Weight loss consists of 80% diet and 20% exercise, meaning that exercising will also help you reach your goal. Incorporating exercises such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), incline-resistant cardio, and weight training accelerate weight loss. How you want to go about your exercise routine depends on your lifestyle, so don’t overwhelm yourself, and focus on what you enjoy long term. Being in a body you’re comfortable with can be incredibly difficult. But increasing your knowledge of what works best for you inside and out will build your confidence. You’ll not only feel better but also improve your life.