What you should know if you are going to lose weight

Anyone who has been through this can tell you that losing weight is not easy. Most people want to lose weight for various reasons, such as feeling more comfortable or having better health. But there are some things no one tells you before you decide to start a diet, and there are some things you probably want to know before you start.

*1. Calories are not everything.

For those just starting their weight loss journey, you may want to know that blindly cutting calories is not the answer. Skipping fruits, vegetables, or healthy fats to save calories is definitely not the answer.

2. Dealing with the emotional side is just as important.

Losing weight will happen if you really admit to changing your eating and exercise habits. But dealing with the root of the problem is what you should do first. Find the reason you gained weight in the first place. Then, you won’t make the same mistake over and over again.

3. Less food is not always more.** *

There is no reason to reduce your calories to the point where you can barely function. **Especially if you exercise regularly, a low-calorie diet can be counterproductive. When you combine your nutrition habits with difficult training sessions, you can really do your body a disservice by under-feeding it!

4. Support makes a big difference.

You are not alone. You have to feel supported to succeed more easily. A support group is always your best option, since everyone is in the same shoe.

*5. A food diary is very important.

Do you know exactly how many calories you consume per day? You’ll never know unless you write down everything you eat. And I mean EVERYTHING! You may be surprised at how many extra calories you eat without even realizing it. One bite of pizza, a piece of chocolate, a sip of soda from your friend’s cup and you already have more than 100 calories.

6. Motivation is the key.

When you have a reason, you are more likely to succeed. Find yours! Do it for the energy you feel every morning when you wake up, do it for the new clothes you can buy, do it for your health, or do it so you can run on the playground with your kids.

7. Commit to your day.** *

Making promises to yourself first thing in the morning can lead to a successful day. Commit to making healthy food choices and an energetic workout for the day. Decide every day that you can do it.

8. Small changes make a big difference.

If you can’t see yourself going on a diet, follow baby steps. Start walking 30 minutes a day, then gradually add 5 more minutes until you reach a full hour. Then maybe you’ll start running.** Same with food. Try a new vegetable and stop eating one unhealthy food every week. By week 8, you’ll be eating a variety of healthy vegetables and no junk food.** It’s okay to take the process of losing weight slowly.

9. You can learn to love exercise.

You may not believe me now, but you can really love working out. Once you commit to this, you won’t be able to skip sessions.** Exercise makes you feel strong, powerful, energized and sexy. And once you’re done, you’ll feel accomplished and proud. It’s a wonderful feeling. Why not love it?

*10. It’s never too late.

No matter how bad you are when you start, you can still be successful. Don’t look at how far you have to go because you will feel overwhelmed and give up.** Accept where you are starting and move step by step in the right direction.** Keep in mind why you are doing it and most importantly: ENJOY IT! If you want more information on nutrition and health topics, or need advice to find the healthiest eating plan to help you lose weight, click here.