The first step in weight loss is to realize why you need to lose weight. This goal shouldn’t be set to fit into a little black dress or so you can look good for your high school reunion, but it should be set ultimately for your overall health and well-being. Setting realistic and sensible goals will help ensure the weight that you lose stays off.
Once you’ve made the decision to lose weight, don’t expect to lose it all overnight. Gradual weight loss is usually the most successful. You should aim to lose no more than about two pounds each week. Faster weight loss is possible, but not necessarily healthy or long term.
Aside from setting a realistic weight loss goal, you should also keep realistic expectations of yourself. Don’t starve yourself or over-exert your body with too much exercise.
Diets may get you the results you’re looking for, but they most likely won’t last once you go back to your old habits. By adopting healthy eating habits and a more active lifestyle, you are well on your way to losing weight.
[...] The good thing is, if you have patience with your weight loss, you will be more successful in losing the pounds. Why? Because you realize that it takes time. You have realistic goals. You know that losing 1-2 pounds a week is normal. You accept that you won’t fit into your ’skinny’ jeans for possibly months. [...]