I’ve been in the business of helping people lose weight for a long time. Over the years I’ve noticed that most people who are successful at weight loss have a few things in common. One thing in particular is that they tend to pace themselves. That’s right. Successful losers take their time. They understand that “The Biggest Loser” is a reality show, not real life. The average person cannot – and should not – lose 5, 10, or 15 pounds per week. It’s not reality; and it’s not healthy.
Powerful Weight Loss Tip: Start Small and Aim High.
Healthy – attainable and sustainable – weight loss depends on your current weight, height, age, and gender. Taller, younger men have the potential to lose more weight in a week than shorter, older women. In general, however, a healthy rate of weight loss for the average person is about 1 to 2 lbs. per week leading to 4 to 8 lbs. per month. Anything quicker than that can drain your energy and leave you feeling tired. Furthermore, rapid weight loss often means you are losing lean muscle mass and water weight, not body fat.
The best approach is to lose weight slowly and steadily. The pounds will add up over time and you will achieve your ultimate weight loss goal. Stick with it, and you will keep it off for good.
Do you have a weight loss success tip? I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comment section below.
Meanwhile, for personal weight loss advice and tips, check out my Free Self-Assessment. Click here now.
I had eliminated or significantly reduced my intake of refined carbohydrates from my diet. It is basically avoiding anything white (bread, rice, potatoes, sugar). Being Asian, we eat mainly rice with whatever other dishes. Instead of rice, I sauté chopped cabbage (or any other leafy vegetable) and eat that as the main course and have some kind of meat with it. Dessert is whole fruit. An hour or so after the meal, go out for a walk. Started with short walks but eventually walked farther to little over 6 miles each day. Then increased my intensity to jogging. Again, starting with short jogs and eventually gone up to 4.5 miles within the 6 mile route.
I have lost about 60 lbs. in 5 months time. I still continue to lose weight, but the rate has slowed down some. I do understand this is a lifestyle change. Sure, I can indulge on something from time to time as a treat only. The fantastic thing is that I was never hungry. I ate as much as I wanted. All I did was avoid processed foods that spiked your blood sugar levels.
People often ask me how can you not eat bread or rice or whatever I avoid eating. I simply respond just don’t eat it. Have something else instead like fresh fruit if you want a snack.
I have no particular goal weight in mind. I will just continue and then add some other exercise like resistance training by lifting weights to build muscle. This would slow or even reverse the weight loss, but it is making me leaner.
You are an inspiration, John. Thanks for sharing.