Last night I was commenting to a friend, that "I wish there was a weight loss credit card". Where with one swipe, we become sleek and tight, and then pay up with the diet and exercise later. It's probably good this isn't possible, or else everyone would be in weight loss debt, and have to file weight loss bankruptcy.

Instead we all get to lose weight the old fashioned way.

For me the number one factor is motivation. Fitness magazines, workout shows, pod-casts, and people with great bodies are all good motivators. Then, once getting the proper motivation and mindset. Just be patient and follow the normal common sense guidelines.

1. Eat Clean - Small frequent meals. Like six a day. Always have breakfast, and don't eat before bedtime, if you can help it. What's eating clean? Lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and good fats like olive oil, avocado, and raw nuts.

2. Exercise. I know it's easier said than done, but find something you don't mind doing and incorporate it into your morning. Such as 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, or a walk/run, or and exercise video. Once we have the aerobics covered, we have to throw in the weight training. To build muscle, which looks great, and burns more calories and speeds the metabolism to help lose the excess weight.

3. Drink lots of water. Don't beat yourself up for having a cheat meal or taking a rest day. But, don't use it as an excuse to give up completely. Experiment, find out what works for you. If you hate running, your not going to do it. If you hate fish don't make Salmon your diet dinner every night.

4. Be patient and kind to yourself. Adjust the diet and workout routine so it is doable. You might not only end up losing the weight. But you'll probably feel and look great as well. Good Luck

Learn more about this author, Emma Nelson.
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