Weight Loss S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Set goals - The first step to weight loss success is setting a clearly defined goal. Notice I said "clearly defined". Simply stating that you want to 'lose weight' is not clearly defined.  How much weight do you want to lose?  Is there a certain size you want to be?  Is there a  certain fitness level you want to reach?  Right these goals down on paper and give them a deadline.  A goal without a deadline is just a wish.  Brian Tracy, world renowned author and speaker, says, "People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine."

Understand WHY- To have success, you must understand your WHY.  Why do you want to lose weight or get fit? Your WHY is your purpose and motivation for action. Like your goals, your WHY should be clearly defined and written down. This will keep you disciplined and focused on your goals.

Connect with others - Find at least one person to help keep you accountable. Whether its a workout buddy, a close friend, co-worker or Facebook friend, you need to partner with someone.  Set a day and time to check in with them.  It doesn't have to be a big deal, just a quick email or phone call.  I am a member of a Facebook group call Living to be Fit.  We weigh in on Mondays and cheer each other on throughout the week.  Don't skip this step, its crucial to your success!

Clean eating - Finally, we talk about diet.  When I say diet, I mean "habitual nourishment" not "eating or drinking sparingly".  Get out of "starvation mode" and focus on eating healthy, whole foods in their natural state.  Your successful diet will consist of fruits, thermic vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. Stay away from processed junk foods that come from boxes and drive-thru windows. Learn more about how to eat more and weigh less in my recent post titled "Stop Starving and Start Eating!".  There you'll find a menu guide to help you get started eating cleaner.

Exercise - I lost 22 pounds in a month without ever exercising. You don't have to exercise to lose some weight. However, if you have a clearly defined goal and you want to insure that you reach it by the deadline you have set for yourself, you have to exercise!  Exercise is not a pass to eat anything you want.  Exercise is a tool to dramatically enhance your results! No matter what your fitness level, you can exercise.  Start with walking at least 20-30 minutes each day.  You will find that if you will just get up and get started, eventually, you will crave it.

Sip Water - Water! Water! Water! Our bodies are made up of 70% water. Drinking water keeps your body hydrated and increases your metabolic rate. It also increases our immune system efficiency and prevents clogging of arteries.  Water is the single most important nutrient we can give our bodies. Get yourself a nice water bottle with a straw and sip on it all day long.

Start now - Stop putting it off until Monday or next month or next year! There is never a perfect time. There will always be a birthday party or dinner date or vacation coming up. "Yesterday you said tomorrow". There is no reason to wait! The sooner you get started the sooner you start reaping the rewards! Now, go get a glass of water and right down your goals!

Are you going to start today?  Why not?