Losing weight can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be about strict diets and intense workouts. Just a few simple healthy lifestyle adjustments can set you up for easy, sustainable weight loss over time. Here are 10 lifestyle tweaks for dropping pounds without drastic changes:

1. Walk More Daily

One of the easiest changes for weight loss is to walk more. Aim for 10,000 steps per day or about 1 hour of brisk walking. This burns calories, improves heart health, and makes weight management effortless. Take the stairs, walk to run errands, pace while on the phone, and go for strolls after dinner.

2. Hydrate with Water

Swap out sugary drinks for pure water. This cuts hundreds of empty calories per day. Carry a reusable water bottle as a reminder to drink frequently. Add lime, lemon, cucumber or mint for flavor. Proper hydration will leave you feeling energized and full.

3. Automate Your Environment

Make healthy habits a no-brainer by tweaking your environment. Put a fruit bowl out and vegetables front and center in the fridge. Have healthy snacks easily accessible and limit junk food items. The easier the better for sustaining weight loss.

4. Eat More Home-Cooked Meals

Eating home-cooked meals is a game-changer for healthier eating and weight loss. Prepare filling, nutritious meals in bulk on weekends to reheat during the week. Bring lunch to work to control portions. Home cooking allows you to choose ingredients and avoid excess fat, salt and sugar.

5. Prioritize Protein at Each Meal

Increase satiety and reduce overeating by including lean protein in every meal and snack. Protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans and nuts keep you feeling full for longer by slowing digestion. This makes cutting calories easier.

6. Gradually Decrease Portions

Trimming down portions takes time, but small reductions add up. Start by cutting back 25% and work your way to smaller portions for lasting weight loss. Use smaller plates, share entrees when dining out and don’t go back for seconds. Serving less to start prevents overeating.

7. Sit Less Throughout Your Day

From binge watching TV to office work, too much sitting sabotages weight loss. Set a timer to take a 5-minute standing or walking break every 30 to 60 minutes. Opt for stairs, park farther away, perform chores and actively socialize for an energy boost that burns extra calories.

8. Establish an Earlier Bedtime

Getting enough high-quality sleep supports a healthy metabolism and reduces cravings. Set an alarm to head to bed earlier and unwind beforehand by reading or taking a bath. Sticking to a consistent bedtime helps regulate your circadian rhythm for restful sleep and balanced weight.

9. Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

Hunger pangs and energy crashes inevitably lead to poor food choices. Satisfy cravings with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and Greek yogurt. Portion snacks into baggies or containers ahead of time for grab-and-go options when you need a pick-me-up.

10. Drink Herbal Tea

Replace evening cocktails, desserts and sweets with a warm cup of herbal tea. Mint, chamomile, green tea and cinnamon spice all provide comfort and relaxation without the added sugars. Keep your hands and mouth busy with a soothing hot beverage instead of snacking at night.

With these easy lifestyle tweaks, weight loss will happen naturally over time. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than following unsustainable fad diets. Drink more water, control portions, exercise daily, eat nutritious whole foods and get enough sleep – your waistline will thank you!