The ABC's of Weight Loss
Quick Weight Loss Tips We Can All Use!

These quick weight loss tips are short and to the point, but take a few moments to really think about each one of them. Each one can be a valuable part of your successful weight loss journey. So read, enjoy, and remember... you can incorporate some or all of these quick weight loss tips into your daily routine as a first step to a healthier life!

Always plan your day. Decide ahead of time what meals you plan to eat and have healthy snacks available between meals. Have a list of healthy distractions in case you have a craving you need to avoid.

Begin your day with a healthy breakfast. Ideally, you should have breakfast within an hour of waking up.

Consistency/Courage. Be consistent; don’t let others throw a wrench in your program. Changing possibly years of bad eating habits simply takes some courage and determination.

Drink lots of water! At least 64 ounces every day.

Exercise. If you are not already exercising regularly, start an exercise program during the second month of your weight loss program. By then you will have lost some weight, be feeling great and will be well on your way!

Focus. Stay focused! Keep a food diary or weight loss journal, tracking what you eat and how you are feeling. Also include positive statements about your progress. Compare your journal entries to this list of quick weight loss tips to stay on track.

Go the distance. Look ahead. Have a clear vision of what you will be doing six months from now. Think about how you will look, what you will be wearing, how you will feel, and what you will have accomplished!

Have Fun! Do not get bogged down with every day life. You are beginning a new era of feeling good and getting your health back! Choose a new activity you’ve wanted to do. Exercise with a friend or family member. Learn a new sport with your child.

Invest in your health! Join a gym. Buy an exercise ball or exercise video. Get good running shoes. Whatever it is, treat yourself well... You’re worth it!

Just Do It!! The type of exercise is not as important as the fact that you are doing something. Continue to find ways to get exercise into your life in fun and easy ways. Park farther from the stores, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and wear a pedometer to count your steps. It will help you to get up and get moving!

Keep some healthy snacks in your car at all times in case of emergency. This will help you avoid giving in to unhealthy snacks when you are hungry.

Live for today! Don’t think about what happened yesterday; do not live in the past. Start each day with empowering and refreshing thoughts.

Munch on healthy snacks! Adopt some healthy eating guidelines. For example, choose celery, broccoli, cucumber, or pickles. If something sweet is on your mind... choose sugar free Jell-O or sugar free popsicles.

No cheating! Follow your weight loss program. Tell yourself that this is only for a short while, but it is needed to get you to your goal. You’ve had it before, you know what it tastes like and you choose not to have it at this time. Remember... nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

Optimistic. Be optimistic and expect success! Don’t sell yourself short by having self-doubts. Remember why your weight loss success is important to you and how it will make your life so much better. The best way to remain optimistic and positive is to stay consistent on your program and continue to experience great results!

Plateaus may happen. If you experience a brief weight loss plateau, do not get discouraged! Your body is just getting used to its new found weight, and for a brief period, may attempt to hold onto your fat stores. Once your body has time to adjust, you will continue to lose weight. Remember that if you have chosen a great weight loss program, and are following the plan, you are on the right path. At times, even though your weight is not showing it, your inches should be!

Quit thinking of your old habits! Your old habits got you to where you were... you do not want to go back! If you are struggling with the changes you are making, then you need to re-evaluate your "why". Why do you really want to get healthy? What will it do for you? What will you be able to do? Write down your list of reasons why you really want to lose weight and revisit this list when you start to get discouraged. And revisit this list of quick weight loss tips for a reminder of some easy things to focus on.

Rejoice! Give yourself a big pat on the back for each and every day that you stick with your program because you are that much closer to your goal! Make sure that you reward yourself often for your success.

Support. Do not feel that you have to do this all alone! Keeping your weight loss activities to yourself makes you less likely to be successful. Instead, get support and encouragement from friends and family. Maybe a co-worker would like to join you on your weight loss program. You never know which of those people closest to you might be searching for the same thing you are! Share this list of quick weight loss tips with others to help them on their way.

Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough rest and avoiding stressful situations as much as possible. Set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Understand Yourself. Read self-improvement books and magazines. Write down all the reasons why losing weight and improving your health are important to you, and really mean them! Write out a positive daily affirmation such as "I am feeling stronger and healthier each and every day. I can accomplish all that I set out to do." And say it daily MANY times over for strength and also say it when you are feeling tempted.

Victories. Have short term goals (weekly or monthly) and do something special for yourself when you reach them. Try to think of something that doesn’t involve food as a way to treat yourself. For example, have a pedicure. Get a new book, or buy some new clothes that fit!

Weigh in once a week first thing in the morning on the same day every week. Why? You look forward to it. By seeing progress, you are more prone to stay motivated and keep striving for your goals. If you weigh daily and don’t see a drop it could set you up for a fall off the program.

X is for example. (I know, I know... but Xylophone didn’t fit!) Be a great example for those around you. There are so many people out there that need our help and support to lose weight and feel great. You could be the inspiration of family, friends, and co-workers. Stay strong and not only help yourself but look forward to helping others! It is truly rewarding.

Yesterday. Don’t let your bad eating habits of yesterday affect your future success. Leave yesterday behind you!

Zeal/Zest. You will soon see and feel the results of your efforts. As you do, be sure to appreciate the "new you" and live your life with gusto.

These ABC's of quick weight loss tips are just the beginning of a long life full of good health, a positive attitude, and looking and feeling great! So go and make it happen!