It’s not hard to understand the process behind losing weight. It’s simple mathematics. The difficult part of the process of losing weight is changing the habits that cause you to overeat or resist exercise. It takes stores of commitment and motivation to move these mountains. However, with the right understanding of what you really have to do you can start to move forward.
It may surprise you to learn that weight loss isn’t about kilograms or pounds. It’s about a different unit of measurement altogether. It’s about calories. Calories are the measurement used to keep track of energy in and energy out. And losing weight is simply a matter of putting the balance in favor of calories out. Even a tiny deficit of calories each day will mean you’ll lose weight.
The first step you need to take in your long term weight loss journey is understanding calories. It’s essential that you begin to be able to estimate how many calories you’re eating at each meal and how many calories you can save from food alternatives. You also must appreciate how much activity or exercise it takes to burn calories. Once you begin to take the calorie equation on board in your every day life you’ll begin to be able to make choices that will lead to more consistent weight loss.
The second important thing you need to do about your weight loss is to decrease your caloric intake. You don’t have to do this all at once. But you do have to have an appreciation for how many calories you’re eating with each bite of food. As you begin to learn how many calories different foods contain you’ll be able to recognize alternatives that will save you calories without reducing your enjoyment of food. It’s remarkable how powerful this knowledge can be.
The third step towards weight loss is to be more active. It’s not necessary to become an athlete to lose weight. You just have to have regular activity in your life. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk in the morning, playing table tennis or doing some yoga will all increase your caloric burn and drive your weight loss forward
If you can start to internalize and stick with these three simple steps you’ll start to lose weight as soon as you can get your calories into deficit. It’s easy to understand in principle and can be easy to do if you take it one step at a time. Start today. Take little steps at the beginning and your motivation and commitment will grow while your waist shrinks.
James Spacey writes about a variety of topics including signs of depression and weight loss goals.