Are you ready to kick off your weight-loss journey and live a healthier lifestyle? Losing weight may sound like an impossible task, but believe me- it can be a rewarding experience if done in the right way with the right motives. Successful weight loss really depends on working on what should be done first, laying the groundwork for later successes.

This article is focused on a few major aspects to keep in mind while beginning your weight-loss journey. From setting realistic goals to forming sustainable habits, this guide asks you what really matters most.

Realistic and Achievable Goals

Before starting any diet plan, goals must be realistic. It’s good to know how much weight you want to lose and in what time frame; that said, healthy weight loss is about 1-2 lbs/week. Do not engage in extreme dieting or losing too much too quickly.

Action Tip:
Set small, realistic goals or carve a plan to lose 5% of body weight over the next few months. Celebrate such small victories in order to stay motivated.

2. Understand Your “Why”

Understanding why you want to lose weight is key to keeping yourself motivated when the going gets tough. Is it for your health? Or perhaps you’re hoping for a boost to your self-esteem? Either way, grounding yourself in your “why” will help you keep your eye on the prize and remain committed.

Action Tip:
Write down all the reasons you plan to lose weight, and stick the list somewhere visible. This constant reminder will serve as motivation when you need it most.

3.Hold Balanced Meals-the Fad Diets do not mean anything.

Some fad diets seem ever so alluring, offering prompt weight loss; these are almost always about calorie-cycle and rejuvenated dangerous eating patterns. Rather, learn to appreciate a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and healthy fats, and quality protein and whole grain. You need to balance all kinds of foods with some lean proteins, vegetables, umayoka whole grains with some wholesome fats. Very important-long-term is the continuity.

Action Tip
October 2023. Let’s avoid refined garbage and sugar-laden snacks. Don’t do an overnight diet change; rather change gradually.

4.More Physical Activity

Exercise plays a role in losing weight by burning calories and maintaining a sense of well-being. But if you don’t want to run marathons, that’s fine. The more you move throughout the day-walking, taking the stairs, etc.-the larger the energy deficit will be over time.

Action Tip
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week asspeed-walking, swimming, etc. Start low and work your way up.

5. Keep A Track Of Your Progress

Frequently monitoring your food intake, physical activity, and weight loss progress keeps you honest. There are so many excellent and easy ways-the apps-to keep tabulating your food that make it easy to visualize that you may modify accordingly.

Action Tip:
Go for apps such as My Fitness Pal or keep a fitness diary in which you write down your meals without missing any exercises. Another good way is to check your weight on a regular basis to know how you’re doing.

Sleep is often negated from discussions regarding weight loss even though it is vital for body functioning and achievement. Lack of sleep can disturb the secretion of hunger hormones; hence, you tend to consume more. You need to assure that from 7 to 9 hours of sleep are of good quality and pattern.

Action Tip-Set a soothing nightly schedule such as switching off any TVs or electronic devices, embracing deep breathing, or reading.
Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is the simplest thing to do if you want to lose weight. It helps you to digest food, keeps you satisfied in between meals, and can help speed up your metabolism. Drinking the right amount of water can improve digestion. Use a water bottle to stay hydrated during the day. Staying hydrated will also help you ward off that pang of hunger that is actually dehydration.

Action Tip-Drink eight glasses of water each day. Keep water close at all times to remind you to drink it.
Manage Stress

Stress is a big barrier to weight loss. Mostly people end up starving and eating the wrong things as a result of stress. Learning to handle stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help prevent emotional eating from interfering with goals.

Action Tip-Integrate daily activities that will relieve some stress such as meditating, deep breathing, or stretching.
Build a Support System

Nothing matters more than having robust and positive support from a group or community. Be it family, friends, or online, it’s important that you surround yourself with people who are supportive of you for all reasons. Their presence will keep you in check and celebrate your tiny victories.

Action Tip-Join a weight loss group, or pair with a friend, who will help hold you accountable. You can swap meal ideas, workout plans, and motivation.