Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Losing weight may seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be.  Regardless of your motivations for losing weight and the approach you choose, there are a number of habits and practices that promote successful weight loss.

First, seek support of others while you are losing weight.  Let those close to you know that you are making positive changes to your diet with the intention of improving your health.  You may want to consider seeking the help of a health coach.  A health coach can be a tremendous resource to promote accountability and help you stay on track, while offering suggestions tailored to your specific needs.   
Start recording what you eat.  Keeping a food journal has been proven to aid in weight loss.  Doing so helps to improve awareness and minimize mindless eating, or eating when you are not actually hungry.  Use a designated journal or try one of several free smartphone applications to record your meals.  While you do not necessarily need to count calories, make sure to record serving sizes.
Preparing food in advance is also a useful strategy to stay on track.  If you have some time over the weekend, go to the grocery store, clean and cut your produce, and cook a few meals to have on hand during the week.  If you plan to dine out at a restaurant, look up the menu in advance to find options that best fit your diet.

While there is a wide array of dietary approaches to losing weight, many patients have found a low carbohydrate, moderate protein diet to be most effective.  This diet includes supplementing protein products with healthy fats and ample vegetables as the basis of meals.  This approach to eating promotes the utilization of stored fat for fuel while simultaneously controlling your hunger and minimizing cravings.  This, in conjunction with weekly coaching to monitor progress, will allow you to achieve your weight loss goals quickly, and then transition to a sustainable and balanced eating plan.

Finally, remind yourself regularly of your motivation to lose weight.  Making positive changes to your diet can lead to a myriad of physical and mental health improvements.