How To Lose Weight: Getting Started The Healthy Way

Most of us may think that we know how to lose weight – eat less, exercise more – but with so many of us caught in a constant yo-yo weight loss and weight gain cycle, one thing is clear: we’re doing it wrong. In order to make weight loss a sustainable and long-term accomplishment, we need to change the way that we approach this difficult challenge, and it all starts with changing our mindset.

Accept the Challenge.

Fad diets and global exercise trends may make losing weight look easy, but for anyone who has tried one or more of these “methods”, the truth is all too apparent: shedding the fat for the long term is an arduous task that takes a whole lot of mental and emotional stamina. Only once a person accepts the fact that weight loss is as much a physical exercise as it is a mental exercise that involves a complete change in lifestyle can he or she make the serious commitment to lose the weight.

Set Realistic Goals. 

Who wouldn’t want to go from a size 16 to a 6 over night? But such a sudden and dramatic change isn’t realistic or even healthy. Depending on your current height, weight, age, health and genetics, the time it may take for an individual to reach such a goal could easily take a year or more. Learning how to lose weight very much involves being patient with yourself as you take small steps and reach mini milestones that will eventually build you up to your final goal.

Go Slow.

The idea of embarking on a weight loss journey can be exciting at first, but after the first few days the interest often dwindles and wanes as individuals start to become bitter about not allowing themselves to enjoy certain foods or resentful that they’re sore and pained from working out too hard at the gym. Healthy weight loss begins with the smallest of steps so that no one needs to make major sacrifices up front to accomplish his or her goals. Some examples of small steps include:

Drink more water.

Ditch the sodas and alcoholic beverages too if you can! Water can be flavored naturally with citrus fruits and berries.

Eat more meals.

Try eating 6 smaller meals a day instead of 3 large meals, being sure that half of each meal is loaded with vegetables and fruits and the other with whole grains and proteins.

Cook at home.

Rather than eat out or rely on frozen or processed foods, start cooking 1 to 3 meals a week at home using fresh ingredients. 

Give Permission to Cheat. Make a day or time where you’ll let yourself cheat while you indulge in your favorite treat.

Work With Your Healthcare Provider.

Getting started on a healthy weight loss means working alongside your healthcare provider who won’t only be able to provide you with the guidance you need in order to be a success, but he or she will also provide you with additional resources for how to lose weight and will hold you accountable for your goals at each and every follow-up appointment.