8 Steps to Lose Weight

It can be tough to get started on the weight loss road. It seems like it will be a monumental change in your life and you aren't sure you can make it. Well, it doesn't have to be one huge change. What it really is, is several small steps that can really change your life. Here are ten steps to take to start losing weight.

1. Start today! Waiting until tomorrow always seems like a good idea at the time but procrastinating will not help you lose weight. In fact, the longer you procrastinate, the more weight you will have to lose. The steps below are easy to implement. Try starting with one step and adding a new one each day or each week.

2. Drink lots of water. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Water, not juice, not soda. As a society, we obtain 1/3 of all calories from the liquids we drink. This is an easy way to cut down on your caloric intake right away. Drinking a glass of water before a meal will help you to feel full faster and stop eating before you are stuffed. \

3. Use smaller plates. Portion size has gotten out of control. A hamburger platter ordered today in a restaurant could likely feed a family of four rather than just one person. But it is a mental hurdle to leave your plate looking empty and it is a hard one. To get over this, simply use a smaller plate. You will not feel like you are depriving yourself because your plate will be full.

4. Eat 6 small meals per day instead of 3 large ones. Spreading out your meals will help keep your sugar levels even throughout the day, eliminating the urge for a sugar rush every afternoon and that unhealthy snack you choose. It will also help you maintain a full feeling throughout the day.

5. Tell your friends and family. If your friends and family know you are trying to lose weight, they can be a great source of support and assistance. They will not tempt you with unhealthy snacks, they will encourage you when you are down and you will have someone to turn to when you need it.

6. Stand for at least 10 minutes per hour. Get your body up and moving a bit. This will help burn a few extra calories but it can also remind you of what you are trying to do and why - it can boost your mood and energy throughout the day.

7. Wear a pedometer. Just go out and buy one, they are not that expensive. The first day, track how many steps you would normally take. Now try to increase it by 100 steps (minimum) per day. Ideally, you want to take at least 10,000 steps per day. How to do it? Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car in the furthest available space instead of the closest. Go for a walk after dinner.

8. Keep a journal. Keep track of what you eat and when and also how much exercise you do. It will help motivate you. It will help keep you from cheating because you will have to admit to it in your journal. And it will help you realize how much better you felt on days when you ate well and exercised.

These are just eight simple things anyone can do and you can start any day. You can start today!