Reaching a healthy weight isn't easy...
although lots of popular diets make it seem like it is.
Most diets do work... at first.
But after a while, you get bored or frustrated...
and you gain weight again.
Lots of us want to get to a healthier weight and stay there.
So researchers have spent a lot of time studying strategies that really work.
Being realistic and kind to yourself is one of the things that works.
Start with small goals that you're sure you can do.
Small, ongoing success stories will build your confidence and keep you motivated.
Try to pay attention to what you eat instead of trying to work off extra calories with exercise.
It takes a long time to burn what you ate, and it can make exercise a real chore.
When you slip up and eat something unhealthy, give yourself a break...
and start fresh the next day.
Another strategy is to plan and track.
Planning most of your meals makes it easier to eat healthy foods.
You can even try to plan what you'll eat when you go out...
or before a party.
Tracking what you eat and drink is a great way to see where you might make changes.
You can do it in a notebook... or use a fun online tool or app.
A third strategy is to get support.
You may want to keep your goals quiet...
in case you don't reach them.
But some research says that writing down your goals and sharing them with people that you trust can increase your chances for success.
There are lots of ways to get support...
an organized meeting, an exercise partner, a dietitian...
or a website or app that has message boards and forums.
So... now you know more about three strategies for successful, long-term weight loss: be realistic and kind, plan and track, and get support.
Did you hear anything that you think might help you?
