5 Steps to Weight Loss Success

The secret to successful weight loss is to make small, lasting changes that will continue to be useful to you both now, and in the future, as opposed to a quick fix solution.

A step-by-step approach to weight loss is the way forward!

Here are 5 small changes you can begin making today:nn#1 Aim for sensible weight loss
Healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. While this may seem like a small amount, long-term it's much more sustainable. If you’re losing faster than 1-2 pounds, you may be losing muscle mass.nn#2 Reduce your calorie intake
The best way to lose weight is a much debated subject, but the fact is it's simply about reducing your calorie intake, and much less about what diet you decide to go for.

Start by cutting 300-500 calories from your diet each day. Check out the calorie content of these common foods to give you an idea of how easy this can be:

Beer (12 fluid ounces) 145kcalnChicken club sandwich 610kcalnCoca Cola 154kcalnCroissant 200kcalnFrench Fries 227kcalnMilkshake 321kcalnButter (1 tbsp) 100kcalnCake 150kcalnn#3 Record what you eat
Try to keep a written record of what you eat as a way to flag any problem areas in how you're eating.

Record all food and drinks for at least 3 days, than review your entries for excess intake of:

Take aways
Processed food
Anything high in fat, sugar, or salt
Soft drinks, fruit juice, and alcoholnn#4 Measure your portion sizes
Most people eat much more than the recommended portion sizes, so this is a relatively simple way to cut calories.

Try using weighing scales or cup measurements to help control how much you're eating at each meal. nn#5 Plan your meals
Planning ahead is a major part of weight loss, and menu planning can be extremely beneficial in helping you eat healthier and subsequently lose weight.

I'd suggest planning all meals and snacks, so that you know exactly what you’re going to eat each day.

Having plenty of healthy food in the house, and pre-planned meals and snacks, will encourage you to eat well, and will go a long way to preventing binge eating.