How to lose weight

Losing weight has been one of the most controversial subjects recently. Fad diets come and go every day, and everyone (including me!) has solid ideas on weight loss that they are passionate about. I'll admit, I am no expert on the subject, I only know what works for myself. I have also never been obese, just a little above my ideal weight. So maybe if you are looking to lose a substantial amount of weight, this article is not for you. Always consult a physician before adopting any weight loss routine. Also realize that weight loss requires dedication, and the pounds won't just leave you because you want them to. You have to take action. In these simple steps below, I will show you what has allowed me not only to lose weight, but to keep it off for good. I hope it works for you too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Dedication
• A physician's advice

1. Recognize that you need to lose weight. This is the most important step. Realize that you will need to change your eating habits for good. This is the step where you cut excesses. This is when you get to know yourself and your body. Why do you eat? When do you eat? Recognize that you cannot starve yourself. Make realistic weight loss goals. Aim for 1-2 pounds a week. The way to keep weight off permanently is losing it slowly.
2. You do not need to make any major sacrifices. You love chocolate? Instead of eating the whole bar, eat 2 squares. Savor your foods. Try some new vegetables. Make some fun salads. Remember that if you are going to eat salads, keep the dressing to a minimum. Learn to enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients.
   
   When you crave sweets, eat some fruit. Just remember that they have calories too. So the key is to eat in small portions.
3. Drinks tend to be the most empty calories we consume during the day. Try and learn to enjoy drinking water. To make it more interesting, put a slice of lemon in it.
   Fruit juices also have a lot of sugars and calories. If you really crave a juice, why not try and make your own without all those added sugars?
   If you can, little by little cut the carbonated drinks. Or at least opt for the diet or zero versions.

Tips & Warnings

• Find an exercise you like. It will make weight loss much more enjoyable. I learned to love walking. It's easy and cheap. Everyone has time for it. Park a little bit farther than usual. If you can walk to work, do so. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Cook your own food. Believe it or not, you tend to savor the food more that way, and you know exactly what ingredients were put in.
• Skip fast food at all costs.
• Never, ever start a diet or an exercise routine without consulting a physician. Remember that each body is different, and what works for one person may not work for you. A physician is the only person that can tell you what will give you maximum results.