How To Lose Weight And Keep It Off

Over the years, I’ve tried so many diet fads and practically starved myself to lose weight. I would always end up gaining the weight back because I wasn’t actually changing my lifestyle for the better and I was damaging my metabolism! I discovered some surefire ways to lose weight and keep it off:

Eat Healthier, Not Less

This is the most important step for losing weight. If you continue to eat poorly you will not be able to lose weight and keep it off, no matter how much you exercise. The worst thing you can do is to starve yourself. You should actually be eating at least 5 times a day – this will effectively (and quickly) boost your metabolism. Check out some tips to eating healthier here. The places to begin are to cut out sugar, add more fiber, and make smarter meal choices.

Drink More Water

It is important to stay well hydrated so your body can function properly. Ensure that you drink at least 64 ounces (2 liters) of water a day. If you’re exercising, bump up your water intake over that amount to at least 98 ounces (3 liters).

Exercise

This does not mean that you have to pick up an hour of exercise a day right away. Start by doing 5 minutes of exercise at a time for about 30 total minutes a day. Take a brisk walk around the block, walk your dogs, play your favorite sport, or do some gentle yoga. All exercise is important and the minutes will really add up. Eventually, you can work your way up to that 60 minute a day goal.

Don’t Set Unattainable Goals

Expect the results to vary and don’t give up on yourself. Check out this post on how to lose weight the right away to get some tips on staying on track. Don’t expect to lose 10 pounds in the first month or to have a six-pack within 6 months. It’s just not going to happen and you’ll lose focus and momentum when you can’t reach that goal.

Don’t Jump On The Fad Diet Train

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people making. Paleo, Atkins, Grapefruit, Cleanse, (and the list goes on and on) are not acceptable lifestyle changes. Let’s face it, you’re not going to eat only raw foods or give up carbs for the rest of your life so why are you torturing yourself? The only diet plans that I’ve ever seen as healthy are the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Watchers – they are surprisingly successful at helping people eat right and feel great. If you don’t have money to burn, you can simply look into eating a healthier diet forever. Check out this post on making healthier eating choices.  Also, invest in a good cookbook that has healthy recipes so it’s easier to stay on track.

Making a Lifestyle Change Isn’t Easy

I wish I could tell you of some miracle that would help you lose weight fast but the truth is, if you really want this to last a lifetime, you’ll have to make some serious changes. Once you’ve kicked your bad habits, you’ll get into your stride and it won’t be difficult anymore – but expect that to take some time.

My main goal for starting this blog is to help people become healthier inside and out and I honestly believe the first step is to eat right. If you want to make a positive step towards change, start there and I promise your life will change drastically.

Good Luck! You can do it!

Disclaimer: This post is the opinion of the author. Always speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise plan or changes to your lifestyle. The information provided in this post is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal, or other professional advice. Read and/or use any of the information from this post at your own risk. Some or all of the links displayed on this site may be affiliate links.