Starting (or re-starting) a weight loss journey can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Implementing some easy and effective strategies can help get your eating, exercise, and mindset back on track without adding unnecessary stress or wasted time. Here are six helpful tips to get you started:

Form a New Habit Each Week

Many people feel overwhelmed when they think about changing their lifestyle from what it is currently to something entirely different. It can be challenging to go from sleeping in until the last minute to jumping out of bed at 5 am to hit the gym. The good news is that you don’t need to become a personal trainer to live a healthier life. Instead, commit to making a healthy change each week, like eating a healthy breakfast or going for a daily walk. You’ll start changing your lifestyle at a steady, sustainable pace.

Use the 80/20 Rule

Eating well 100% of the time can be a challenge for even the most committed health enthusiasts. With the 80/20 rule, you can avoid the need for perfection and ensure that you are still moving toward a healthier life. This rule involves eating healthy foods 80% of the time and allowing yourself some leeway for indulgences the remaining 20%. The same approach can be applied more broadly, too, in choosing exercises that offer more significant benefits for the time and energy invested.

Be Accountable

Accountability is key to any weight loss journey. And the most important person you need to be accountable to is yourself. Keeping a food and exercise diary can help you stay motivated and remain on track. Remember, you are the only one that can make your weight loss goals a reality.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital to both your appetite and energy levels. Aim for seven hours of restful sleep each night. Skipping on adequate sleep can derail your weight loss goals by making you too tired to exercise or prep healthy meals. Lack of sleep affects the two hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin, which can cause cravings and overeating. So make sure you prioritize sleep and avoid caffeine, sugary snacks, or exercising in the evening, as these can all affect sleep quality.

Ask For Help If You Need It

Navigating the health and fitness world on your own can be challenging. Hiring a personal trainer, joining a weight loss support group or fitness class, or finding an accountability partner could be helpful. Having someone knowledgeable to answer your questions and help guide you through your weight loss journey can make a significant difference.

Find Your Reason Why

Before embarking on any significant change to your life, it’s important to determine why you want to lose weight. Whether the reasons for this journey are linked to your health, your kids, your social life, or simply to look good in a particular outfit, identifying your motivators can help you get through tough times. Your reasons should mean something to you and not anyone else. Focus on creating a healthy mindset that is sustainable, and not just losing weight for the short term.

To create a healthy living plan that works, implement changes in small, manageable steps. Remember, lasting weight loss begins with long term changes, not a few temporary modifications. Embrace your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, and you’ll reap the benefits for life.