First things first, the goal of losing weight is something personal to everybody.

Sure, there are plenty of health and wellbeing benefits if you do decide to lose weight. But if you choose not to, that is just fine too!

However, if you do wish to do something about those extra pounds this year and have no clue where you should start, you are not alone.

You’d be surprised to know that a quarter of people in the US who resolve to change different aspects of their lives for the better this New Year will also be hoping to lose weight. And that means they are also going to hope for cookie-cutter solutions – fast weight loss alternatives, fad diets, quick fat burn exercises, etc.

You see, the thing is, losing weight successfully and without suffering any adverse side effects is something frightfully complicated.

There is a lot of dedication, will power and commitment attached to losing weight, not just following a strict diet. Anybody can go on a diet; a few can stick to it. Remember, this is something long-term that is you want to bring about a positive change in your life truly.

Top 6 things to always keep in mind when you start any particular diet

Stay realistic

It is good to be determined and committed to attaining a goal, such as weight loss. However, what is equally vital to achieving that goal is being realistic.

The ability to effectively lose weight is directly proportional to personal honesty. Always make sure that your weight loss goals are realistic and in tandem to your lifestyle.

What that means is you will never have the time to cook a diet-conscious meal every night. And that is especially a truism if you don’t like spending the on standing in front of your stove.

As per a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was identified that many diet relapsers did lose weight by going on fast or by taking fat loss supplements. However, the same study also discovered that those relapsers were able to maintain their weight loss in the long term.

A good workaround to staying committed yet comfortable is to cook for two nights any day of the week and ordering healthy options for the rest of the week.

Moreover, it is also crucial that you stay honest when it comes to your food preferences. If you don’t like to eat quinoa to lose weight, don’t. Go for something that suites your taste buds.

2. Get in-tune with your inner motivation

It is one thing to jump on a weight-loss bandwagon with a free gym pass and then quitting a week into your routine. To stay consistent, you have to first intrinsically realize why it is that you want to lose weight.

Knowing why you are setting a goal will help you stick to the pathways that lead towards a positive outcome.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Why do you want to get into shape?
• How are you going to feel once you lose weight?
• Would accomplishing your goals make your loved ones happy?

Jot down your answers in a notebook and keep reminding yourself!

3. Go for a dietary plan that suits you and your lifestyle

Don’t get sucked into new diet fads – those so-called magical tips and ingredients to melt fat. There is no such thing as a secret to lose weight. The only secret is to understand what suits you.

The best diet is one that you can comfortably accommodate in your lifestyle while giving you all the nourishment you need to function normally.

Don’t look at food as just means to curb your calories – encourage yourself to eat healthier foods overall. Go for more wholesome foods, minimize your daily sugar intake, balance your calories, etc.

Practicing moderation is a heck of a way to stay healthy and lose weight at the same time rather than trying and forcing yourself to stick to a strict meal plan each day.

4. Don’t rush anything!

Sure, you may experience rapid weight loss. However, keep in mind that this is very short-term and is challenging to sustain. Slow and gradual weight loss far outweighs melting your fat as fast as you can.

That is because taking things slowly will enable you to get used to your routine. Losing half to two pounds every week is normal. But don’t get too worked up about numbers – practice moderation and consistency.

Gradually change your habits, start making time to go to the gym – you don’t have to go every day, every alternate day is fine.

5. Remember not to get too caught up in just the food you consume

It is effortless to concentrate on what just what you are consuming day in and day out. However, losing weight more sustainably requires a couple of other elements as well.

For example, hire a personal health coach if you can join a supportive community, etc. You see, without good moral support, you will never be able to get the knowledge that is vital to designing a long-term eating plan you can sustain.

6. Keep fueling your resolve

It is essential to understand that your weight loss journey can be exciting, and at the same time, it can also be a total letdown.

When you slowly lose the motivation to attaining a goal, it can knock the socks off you. This is one of the most challenging parts of losing weight.

To maintain and sustain your weight loss, you are going to have fuel your resolve and keep moving forward!

Just keep on eating healthy, you can have a cheat day once or twice a month – but be sure never to quite your physical training sessions.

The bottom line

As you take the first steps in your weight loss journey, endeavor and fight your desires, never forget to be your cheerleader. Don’t neglect self-care! Remember to reward yourself in full when you achieve a goal. But more importantly, never compare yourself to anyone else!