from Brian Syuki

Ever wondered why most people never lose weight? Or why folks can’t keep the weight off after they lose it? There are many reasons why people fail to lose weight, but instead of focusing on those who fail, let’s look into those who succeed.

Here are a few things they do differently to lose weight and keep it off for the long haul. If you emulate what they do, soon you’ll be sharing your own success story.

1. They are flexible with their diets.
People who lose weight and keep it off understand that 100 percent adherence to diet is not necessary. So they eat healthy 90 percent of the time. Frankly, it’s totally fine to eat foods you enjoy every now and then. In fact, following a strict diet is stressful and usually leads to binging.

2. They don’t obsess over small things.
You’ll never hear anyone credit their weight-loss success to “training when the body is in the fat-burning zone” or “not eating carbs after 6 pm.” A lot of people in the fitness industry are looking to make a quick buck, and they’ll make you believe anything

What time you decide to exercise or eat doesn’t make a significant difference in weight loss. Instead of buying into these weight-loss myths, focus on things that really matter like, calorie intake, eating healthy foods, and establishing a regular fitness regimen.

3. They exercise regularly.
I’m sure you’ve heard of people who have lost weight without exercising. As appealing as it may sound, exercise is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle, and a great tool to help you maintain your weight. Exercise (especially strength training) will help build muscle mass and enhance fat loss. Aim to exercise at least three to four times a week.

4. They track their food intake.
Naturally, to lose weight you have to maintain a calorie deficit. Tracking your food intake will help you know if you are consuming food groups in the right proportion specifically if you are getting enough protein and good fats.

5. They drink water.
Studies show that drinking plenty of water is good for weight loss. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day.

6. They eat home-cooked meals.
Cooking gives you the opportunity to prepare delicious, healthy meals — and know exactly what is going into your meals. It also makes it easier to control portions.

7. They develop habits they can maintain long term.
These people understand that eating healthy and exercising is a lifetime thing. They don’t jump from one fad diet to another. Find and develop habits that you can maintain for a lifetime.

8. They track their progress.
I suggest you track your weight and body-fat percentage. Weigh yourself once a week, at the same time each week, using the same scale. Taking daily measurements doesn’t make sense because weight fluctuates due to water retention. Also, measure your body fat percentage after every three weeks.

By the way, you don’t need to make all these changes at once. Make one or two changes every week and eventually they’ll become habits.

I have myself lost 10 kg over the last eight months, and it is easy to keep it off because eating healthy has become a lifestyle. The changed gut bacteria promote healthy eating because I no longer have cravings ( or only very occasionally, when I give in happily!).

Stay Healthy.

Image Courtesy Google