Healthy Weight Loss Starts Now
Date:  18 November 2013   |  Author:   Liz Grayson

While there is no magic or “one size fits all” solution to achieving permanent healthy weight loss the following guidelines can be a good place to start. 
• Set and write down your goals to stay motivated.  Next to each goal write down the benefits of achieving the goal. The more specific and realistic you are the better your chances to achieve them. When frustration and temptation strike refer to your written list and concentrate on the benefits you will reap being the new healthier and leaner you.  TIP: Begin and achieve short term goals and build to the long terms goals.
• Slow and steady is a sure way to win the race.   Give up the diets when you lose 5 pounds a week because you will gain them all back + a few. Aim to drop up to two pounds a week as this will ensure healthy and long term weight loss. When we lose weight too fast it is often bad for your mind and body and leaves you feeling drained and sluggish. TIP:  Quick weight loss is generally losing water and muscle not fat.
• Long term lifestyle change vs. short term diet.   When you are looking for permanent weight loss the ‘quick-fix’ diet is not for you. Think in terms of lifestyle change and a commitment to a healthier you for life.  A healthier you will generally be a thinner you. Popular, fad diets can help jump start your weight loss but what you eat and your lifestyle will ensure long term results. 
• Support. Look to friends, family and support groups to help support your efforts and be your cheering section.  This will mean a lot and give you a shoulder on the days you may be struggling. Seek out support—whether in the form of family, friends, or a support group—to get the encouragement you need.
• Keep track of your progress.  Write down ‘everything’ you eat and drink in your selected online weight loss program or your food journal and weigh yourself regularly. When you keep track of each pound and inch you lose you will see results in black and white, which will help you stay motivated.
• Think positive.  Losing weight is not only about what you eat.  It is about what you think and learning to be confident, love yourself and stop sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Love yourself where you are right now and love yourself when you lose your desired weight is a great place to start. .

Sometimes it may take experimenting to find the right meal plan for your individual body and lifestyle. The key is to find the meal plan that works and not feel deprived as this will best ensure you stick to your plan and ultimately your newly learned lifestyle. Weight Loss Village program provides many online meal plans, personalized weekly menus, cutting edge tracking tools, fantastic Think-Positive workshops and an amazing mobile app. If one meal plan or suggested menu does not work then try another one. The key is to find what works for you.

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