How to Successfully Lose Weight

Losing weight, for many people, can be extremely difficult. However, successfully losing weight is really just a simple matter of consistency and having a general idea of what you need to do. By creating your own weight loss plan with your own needs, habits, and preferences in mind, you will find weight loss much easier.

Make your plan. This should be something that takes time. Be sure not to just copy any weight loss plan from the Internet. These are likely to be very rigid, whereas a more flexible system is preferable for people who are just starting to lose weight and have generally unhealthy eating habits. Small steps are important, because a giant lifestyle overhaul is likely to fail. Keep that in mind when creating your plan, and know that you can always change the plan you make to be more restrictive later.

Set goals for yourself that are realistic. It is very difficult for people to really conceptualize weight loss, and how it actually works, but mathematically it is very simple. A pound of fat contains 2500 calories. So, in order to lose a pound of weight, the net calories (calories eaten - calories burned) needs to be -2500. This should not be performed in one day, as it can be detrimental to your health. Instead, you should aim to lose about 2 lbs a week, so your net calories for the entire week should be -5000. This means that you should cut about 715 calories from your day-to-day net calorie count. This can be achieved by eating leaner foods, or exercising, but is best accomplished as a result of a mix.

Keep a weight loss journal to help you keep track of your calorie count for the day, in addition to the amount of exercise you perform. Additionally, use it to track what you've eaten, when, and your mood on that particular day. This data can all be used to determine how you can better alter your life to make your weight loss plan more effective.

If you occasionally have a week where you gain weight, don't worry. This is natural, and perfectly healthy. In fact, it is very likely that, while trying to lose weight, you may gain some back in the process. This weight may be muscle, from your new workout regimen, or just water weight. Don't worry too much about the little bumps in the road, because the overall trip is still a net loss.

Plan an exercise routine and stick to it. Otherwise, you will have greater difficulty in losing the weight you are looking to lose, which can be disheartening. 

Find a friend to work out with. This can be a good motivator if you have trouble convincing yourself to exercise, and can invoke your inner competitor, pushing you to workout harder and more efficiently.

Don't plan for a short-term diet. These are often worse for your health overall, because you are likely to gain the weight back eventually. By making a plan that will have you living a healthier life overall, you can be sure that your weight loss is permanent.

Deciding to lose weight is a very healthy decision, most of the time. By choosing a method that will work best with your body, you are setting yourself up for success. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your weight loss is long-term and very healthy.