Ideas for Fast & Healthy Weight Loss

The challenge to "lose weight" is too general and broad of a goal. There's no definite goal-setting (how much weight?), no methods (how to do it?), and no deadline (by the summer? by 2011?) in this objective. For the same reason, many people do make New Year's resolutions to lose weight, but eventually fail. However, with the following few simple tips and a true New Year approach you can succeed at a fast and healthy weight loss.



Educate Yourself

According to several smart weight loss experts, dieticians and even doctors, "losing weight is 90% mental”. Some even say “The phenomenon of successful weight loss begins in the brain”. If this is true, then the resolution has to start in the mind before it can succeed with the body and knowledge is the key here. It is also important to evaluate your reasons for losing weight before you actually start. Ask yourself; do you want to be healthy? Do you want to look good? Do you want to be able to walk, run, ski, bike, hike and/or skate? Do you want to get off your BP, diabetes? Do you want to sleep better? And, above all, do you want to feel good about yourself?

Once you set your reasons and goals to lose weight, make a plan. What changes do you have to make to achieve your goal? Keep a journal or calendar to track foods eaten, exercises done, thoughts and feelings, and weekly weights. Tracking gradual progress is another visual reminder of the path. It's harder to quit once all that work is in black and white. Create a timeline. How long will you give yourself? Success will take time and patience is necessary. To keep on point, mark dates on the calendar for the smaller goals. Check off days that you exercise and use other visual reminders that are helpful. To stay motivated, be accountable.

Eat right

According to proven weight loss advice, habits are hard to change. Eating habits are particularly hard because you have to make choices everyday and several times a day, at that. ? Read and learn about what to eat, when to eat, how to eat and how much to eat. Think about the healthy habits that need to be used - low-fat? High-fiber, high protein? All of these are essential for fast and successful weight loss. Drink plenty of water. Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Don’t skip meals, especially the breakfast. Eat less but frequently.


Exercise


Exercise but don't just jump into any program use your new found knowledge about weight loss and set a routine. Choose one that is easy for you to manage and works well for you, also make sure it's one you enjoy. Walking is the best exercise for a bazillion reasons and the two most important are no impact on your joints, and skeleton, plus the stimulation of getting out, looking at stuff and interacting with the world around you. Rain, snow, cold? Buy a big coat and nice boots, or go to a mall with walking shoes. Do it.

At the same time, if you are one of those people who don't like the thought of exerting themselves, then don’t worry, yoga, hypnosis and meditation, all make excellent alternatives for weight loss. Sign up for a yoga class or learn and practice hypnosis or meditation. Stick to it and steadily take off pounds, tone your muscles, tune up your mind and gain fabulous flexibility that makes you look great.


Entertain

Even those who hate exercising can find an activity they'll enjoy. Get friends together for a game of basketball or a relaxing hike. Enroll in a new style of dance class that sounds interesting. Load up an iPod with fun, energizing music and go for a run. Have a buddy. Ask a trusted friend to check on progress. Knowing someone is monitoring your successes and failures is an incredible motivator. Plus, they'll be a cheerleader and maybe a participant!