15 Easy Weight Loss Tips for Beginners

Are you starting a new diet? If so, you want to get your weight loss facts straight so that the process doesn't take longer than it needs to. These are the weight loss tips for beginners that will help newbies (and seasoned dieters) slim down successfully and keep the pounds off for good

1. Weight Is More Than Appearance

Your weight affects you in many ways other than your appearance. Your weight can also affect your quality of life, self-esteem, your health, your mental well-being and your ability to carry out certain physical tasks. Reaching a healthy weight is worth your time and effort.

2. Get a Check-up

You should see a doctor for a physical before you start a diet. Your doctor can tell you how your health may improve with weight loss and if there are any special medical concerns that you need to consider when you choose a diet and exercise program.

3. Ask Yourself Questions

You should ask yourself certain questions before you begin a diet. You should know why you want to lose weight, if you are ready for a long-term commitment to healthy eating and exercise and if you have good social support systems in place.

4. Be Ready for Permanent Change

To lose weight effectively, you will have to permanently change four aspects of your life: what you eat, how you eat, your social behavior and your activity level. You should be ready for real change in your life.

5. Avoid Weight Loss Scams

You should have reasonable expectations. Don't fall victim to weight loss scams that promise major weight loss in a short period of time. Most of these products may work in the short term but are not proven to be sustainable.

6. Make Small Goals

Small goals are more likely to keep you motivated and focused. Try to decrease your calorie intake by 3500 calories per week to lose one pound per week.

7. Choose a Diet You Will Enjoy

You won’t stick to a diet that is comprised of foods you do not like. So choose your weight loss plan carefully. And then fill your kitchen with diet-friendly but satisfying foods.

8. Commit to the Time Needed

Before you start your diet, ask yourself how long you can maintain the eating and exercise plan. If you can’t imagine staying on a particular plan until you reach your goal weight, try something else.

9. Avoid the Yo-Yo

Going on and off the same diet plan, again and again, leads to yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieters have a harder time keeping weight off for the long-term. It's smarter to diet once, rather than going on and off weight loss plans repeatedly.

10. Address Your Stress

You need to plan alternative strategies to cope with emotional eating. Many people with weight issues have the habit of eating in response to emotions and stress. If you don't address emotional eating, your diet isn't likely to be successful.

11. Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight

The dangers of being overweight are real. Being obese can carry life-threatening health risks. When your motivation starts to dip, keep this in mind to keep yourself on track.

12. Set a Realistic Goal Weight

Your ultimate goal should be a realistic one. Some of us will never fit into that wedding or prom dress again. Our bodies change with time. Settle for a weight that is healthy for you at your current stage in life, not 15 years ago.

13. Choose Moderation

Some popular diets don't work. Weight loss programs that prohibit entire food groups or restrict calories too severely can lead to uncontrollable cravings and binge eating. Moderation is the key.

14. Don't Weigh Too Often

Your weight will fluctuate from day to day. Resist the urge to weigh yourself on a daily basis. Weighing yourself too often may discourage you. Weigh yourself at the same time of day once a week.

15. Appreciate That It Will Take Discipline

Losing weight isn't easy. There is no magic pill or quick fix for long-term, healthy weight loss. It’s going to take a lot of discipline and hard work. But just because something is difficult, it’s not impossible. The fact is...you can do it!