The easiest way to lose weight is to implement a plan that works for you. Forget following the newest fad diet in the market or starving yourself for a week to lose five pounds, only to gain them back the following week. To lose weight and make sure it stays off, start with a sensible plan and then be consistent in implementing changes until you reach your desired goal.
Step 1
Get a piece of paper and jot down your eating habits, including what you tend to overeat and when, what your favorite foods are and how often you eat out. If you aren't aware of what your food choices are, keep a food diary for a week or two to help you see where you're falling short with your food choices and what you need to change.
Step 2
Choose a habit to change every week. Work on a single thing so you don't get overwhelmed or feel too deprived. For example, spend one week replacing high-fat snacks with healthier ones. The following week, focus on making sure you get your eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Water fills you up and reduces appetite, so it should be part of any and all weight loss efforts.
Step 3
Switch your meal schedule. Avoid eating a couple of large meals a day. Instead, aim to eat five to six times a day. Keep your meals small (about the size of your fist) and no more than four hours apart. According to the Oregon Fit for Life organization, this stabilizes your blood sugar, reduces your hunger and speed up your metabolism.
Step 4
Increase your activity level. If you can go to the gym for formal workouts, do so four to five times a week. If not, aim for at least 30 minutes of daily activity, whether that means an extralong walk with your dog, riding a bike or going swimming or hiking. According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 minutes can improve your health and strengthen your body. Buy a pedometer and clip it to your belt. Aim for 5,000 or more steps a day in order to lose weight. It is impossible to say how much exercise to do to lose a specific number of pounds. This depends on your age, sex, current weight and type of activity you choose to do. As a general rule, the more active you are, the more you lose, so keep moving.
Step 5
Eat less of everything. Cut down your portion sizes, even if it's just by 10 percent. A few calories saved here and there add up by the end of the week. To trick your mind, try using smaller plates, such as dessert dishes, instead of the regular 14-inch dinner plates.
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