6 Ways To Jumpstart A 50 Pound Weight Loss Journey

Whether it’s 10 pounds or 100 pounds, starting a weight loss journey is the hardest part. But to really lose weight and keep it off for good, there’s no need to make drastic, life-altering changes—as it’s really easy to stray from a rigid plan and give up entirely. Instead, what you should do is to start off nice and easy with these six manageable changes you can make each day—without making you feel overwhelmed or deprived. These changes will help get you in the healthy mind-set and on the right weight loss track. So, let’s get going—all aboard the train to Slimville.

1. SWAP BEVERAGES FOR WATER.

OK, so you don’t have to give up your beloved morning cup of joe, but for the rest of the day, a reusable water bottle is going to be your best friend. Each time you choose water over juice, soda, sweetened iced tea, and specialty coffee drinks, you’ll save about 100 calories. Aside from that, sipping water also helps fill your belly, prevent bloat from constipation, and keep you hydrated, which prevents that sluggish feeling that causes people to reach for candy bars or cookies.

2. MAKE A BIG SALAD FOR LUNCH.

This is good for so many reasons. The veggies are low in calories, so you can eat an enormous bowl without breaking the calorie bank. They’re also full of fiber, which fills you up fast and keeps you feeling satiated longer. Prep for the week by making them ahead in mason jars, which also helps you avoid the temptation of high-calorie lunches. Just be sure to be mindful of the ingredients you use; adding too much dressing, cheese, or other unhealthy items can turn a salad into a worse choice than a Big Mac.

3. DO ONE 10-MINUTE WORKOUT EACH DAY.

This tip is for those who don’t exercise at all, hate running, don’t want to work out in front of other people at a gym, or have no idea how to get started. Anyone can commit to 10 minutes, whether it’s first thing in the morning or the last thing you do before you sleep. Believe me, once you start with just one 10-minute workout a day, you’ll get into the habit of needing to move. Once that happens, you’ll be itching to do more.

4. KEEP CUT-UP FRUITS AND VEGGIES IN THE FRIDGE.

When hunger or boredom strikes and you get that feeling that you need to munch on something, instead of reaching for a bag of chips, head to the fridge and grab one of the containers you’ve pre-made that contains washed grapes, blueberries, cut-up watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and kiwi or carrots and celery sticks, strips of bell pepper, or sliced cukes. Put the containers right at eye level so they’re the first thing you see. When healthy foods are already prepared, you’re more likely to choose them over other easily accessible, not-so-healthy snacks.

5. USE SMALLER PLATES AND BOWLS.

When we prepare a plate of food, we feel the need to fill it up completely. If you start out with a smaller-sized salad plate or a kid-sized bowl, there’s only so much you can pile on, so you’ll end up consuming fewer calories.

6. DON’T BE HARD ON YOURSELF.

Obsessing over losing weight can become counterproductive. Stress does crazy things to your body and you will have a harder time losing weight if you stress about it. So stay calm, eat clean, and move more. If you need a sensible guide on eating clean, eating whole and living skinny, there is a little-known diet plan called the 2 Week Diet which will teach you these things. Getting your eating habits and lifestyle in check will increase your metabolism—allowing you to shed weight and shed it fast.