Drop 30 Pounds

Whether it's through diet or workout programs, weight loss is a common goal among people around the world. In addition to a desire to drop pounds, most weight-loss seekers have something else in common . . . they have tried and failed to lose weight so many times that the only thing they've lost is hope! If you find yourself in this category, keep reading! Drop 30 Pounds is here to give you the inspiration and direction you need to make lasting changes in your health and body weight. 

The Secret to Dropping 30 Pounds:

Every conceivable diet and workout advice is advocated by someone, somewhere. How can you possibly know which program is right for you? Well, your stick-skinny friend who has been thin as a rail her entire life probably doesn’t have the answers you need. Someone selling diet supplements on the internet just wants your money, so that probably isn't the best source either. Quick-fixes and "eat whatever you like" diets almost always crash and burn.

So what is the secret to losing weight for good? Changing your lifestyle! Despite what people say, no diet or workout program will help you lose weight and keep it off unless you permanently change your habits. While diet programs and workout routines are effective at kick-starting weight loss, the trick to losing weight is to (1) change the way you eat, and (2) increase the amount of time you spend exercising. It may not be easy, but it can be done!

7 Tips to Jump-Start Your Weight Loss: 

1. Set a Goal. If you don't have a goal, you won't get anywhere! Decide how much weight you want to lose and write it down. Set smaller benchmark-goals along the way. This will help you recognize the progress you're making and give you the encouragement to keep going. 
2. Make a Plan. Different methods work for different people. Evaluate yourself and figure out the right weight loss plan for you. Consider talking with a doctor or dietician, get kick-started with a diet or workout program, or read-up on general health. As a general rule, try to incorporate both exercise and diet in your plan. 
3. Keep a Journal. Write everything down! Keep both a food and exercise journal. Of course it will be tedious, but it works! Plan on keeping a food and exercise journal, and make yourself accountable to you – after all, who cares more about the results than you do? If you know that you'll have to record that McDonald's cheeseburger on your food log, chances are you'll think twice before eating it. 
4. Eat Less, Exercise More. Similar to the finance success secret "spend less than you make", the secret to weight loss success is eating less calories than your body burns. Internalize this simple concept and put it into practice! The most effective way to lose weight is to eat less than your body needs and to increase your level of activity.
5. Avoid Extremes. Crash diets and extreme exercise routines are NOT the answer! Rather, the body responds best to slow and gradual changes in food and exercise habits. "Yo-yo dieting" is terrible for your body! Any kind of extreme is a one-way ticket to injury and poor health.
6. No Shortcuts. Get hid of the shortcut and quick-fix mentality. Instead, find ways to permanently change your habits! If the result you want is better health for life, a shortcut will never take you there. Any fast track plan is going to be either unhealthy or unreasonable - probably both. Plan on sticking with weight loss and exercise for the long haul.  You will love the lasting results, even if they're six months down the road. 
7. Celebrate Success. There will be ups and downs along your path to weight loss. Understand that going in, and don't get discouraged if some days and weeks are better than others. Everyone falls off the wagon - chances are, you will too. Get back on! Celebrate every success along the way! Losing weight is an exciting challenge, but you can do it!