(Newswire.net — March 14, 2016) — There are healthy, safe ways to lose weight, and there are less healthy ways to lose weight. It makes sense to start by coming up with a weight loss plan that will work for you. If you have a great deal of weight to lose, that plan may include a discussion with your doctor on how much is OK to lose in any specific amount of time
For most people, one to three pounds a week is alright for weight loss, three being a bit on the high end. The more you have to lose though, the more you might drop in the beginning, depending on your plan.
Eat The Right Foods
Your first step at healthy weight loss is to learn what foods are healthy and which ones aren’t. Making the right food choices can make the biggest difference in both your health and your weight loss.
Just because a food claims to be a diet food, that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Cut back on sugar, salt, processed foods, and fats, and you’ll be on the right track. Snack on popcorn (hold the salt and butter), fruits (for your sweet tooth), and vegetables.
Cut Back On Portions
It’s not just about what you’re eating, but how much you are eating matters as well. Make sure that you are keeping your portions under control if you really want to lose weight. You’re better off eating six small meals a day, instead of three large ones.
Understand that restaurant portions are usually at least three meals worth of food. Read serving sizes, and study up on the proper portions of all your favorite foods.
Start An Exercise Routine
Simply changing the way you eat will help you start losing some weight, but if you want to lose the maximum amount, and get a tone and healthy body while you’re at it, you need to have a fitness routine in place as well.
Make sure that you are including cardio workouts, as well as muscle focused fitness. You can always start with one, until you build up stamina, and then integrate other types of workouts in with it.
Drink More Water
You need to be drinking water if you want to lose weight. You don’t need to drink any specific amount, just what works for you. But, you should be drinking water in place of things like soda and juice, which carry a lot of calories.
Get A Weight Loss Buddy
Finding a friend that wants to lose weight too, even if they are long distance, can be great motivation. You can bounce ideas off each other, use each other as competition, and also use one another for accountability.
If your fitness and weight loss buddy lives in the same town as you, you can also workout together.