3 Proven Tips to Lose Weight

As a personal trainer, the most common questions I get refer to weight loss: “How do I lose weight?”. I’ve listened to dozens of people say something to the effect, “I’ve tried diet X for 30 days and but I gained it back”, or “My friend does XYZ workout and he lots tons of weight but I can’t seem to”, or “I follow this girl on Instagram and she’s lost 30 lbs, but I do the same things with very different results.”

Sound familiar? Maybe you fall into that camp. Unfortunately despite what the infomercials tell you, there is no magic bullet for weight loss. While the general principals of maintaining an effective fitness regimen and wholesome diet is paramount in loosing weight. Everyone is different. It is important to remember that what, may not work for others.

But there are 3 tips for weight loss success that are critical starting the weight loss journey. Regardless of the exact path you/we choose to go down, these three simple keys will help set you up for success. My clients who have been successful losing weight ALL do these:

• Make a goal- People that set goals are more likely to achieve them. Having a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) encourages action and allows for measurable success. While this could be a “pounds lost” number such as, “I’m going to lose 15 lbs by Jan 1”, It doesn’t have to be. Maybe it could something like, “I will fit into my size 12 dress by my HS reunion the first week of November.”Whatever your goal, make it realistic - set yourself up for success. 
• Track your food intake- Without knowing what you’re putting in your mouth, it’s difficult to ascertain what changes to make in your diet. I've been quoted far and wide saying, "Weight loss is 80% what you do in the kitchen and 20% what you do in the gym." (www.active.com/fitness/articles/5-health-tips-from-personal-trainer-alan-gulledge) And it's certainly true. Tracking caloric intake helps educate you as to exactly what and how much is actually consumed, not what we THINK we consume. To many, it’s surprising to learn that an appropriate serving size for avocado is ⅓  of the fruit. There are many different apps available now to help; my personal favorite is Myfitnesspal, (www.myfitnesspal.com/)where you can track calories and input exercise.
• Be accountability to a support system- Telling someone your goals and having them hold you accountable is paramount. Getting a spouse, friend, and/or coworkers on board with your goals can be just the extra motivation you need to get you to your goal. Your trainer, doctor, or workout partner is a great option as well. They can all provide encouragement and support during both times of weakness and success. Give them permission to hold you ask you about intermittent goals. Knowing your trainer or workout partner will ask you about your how many pounds you’ve lost to date, or how the salad intake is coming along can help keep you on track.​

So, there you have it. Three proven tips to make that weight loss goal a reality. The holidays are just around the corner, so by starting now with these 3 tips for weight-loss success, you’ll be ahead of the curve and battle-hardened to fight off those holiday pounds!