Read & write

Body image is crucial to a lot of people. If you currently struggle with your own body image due to excess weight, then you may feel self-conscious about the way you look. If you are ready to make a change to your life and weight, you need to learn how to start losing weight effectively.

To start with, you should see your doctor. Too many end up going on a diet and doing exercises without consulting their physician. This can be potentially dangerous, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. Consulting with your doctor can also help you gain some insight as to what kind of plan would work for your personal needs. After all, they already know a lot about your health.

You need to create a written plan. This plan should detail what your goals are and hat steps you have to take to get there. Putting it in writing helps you clearly see what needs to be done to get to your goal. For instance, if you want to run a  marathon, list that and put what hurdles you need to go through in order to reach that goal. Think of it like a staircase. You go up one stair and then another until you reach the very end. This can also be a great motivator to help you stick with your weight loss efforts.

Think of any changes as a part of your lifestyle. Too many people don't think of their weight loss efforts as lifestyle changes, so as a result, they "fall off the wagon." Don't do this. Consider your "diet," the new and better way that you plan on eating for the rest of your life. Healthy produce, carbs, proteins, and other food groups provide enough delicious and nutritious provide so many great options. You don't need to constantly binge on sweet and salty foods anymore. That doesn't mean that you can't ever have those foods, but remember to keep things in moderation.

The same thing goes for exercise. don't think of working out as a "just until I reach my goal" ordeal. Staying fit stakes a lifetime, so if you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, you will craft a routine or multiple routines that work for you and that you can keep doing indefinitely to keep yourself fit.

Support is a great thing to have when losing weight. Whether it's a friend or family member that works out with you or you join a weight loss forum online, being around others with a similar goal can help keep you motivated. When things get rough, you will have people that have most likely been there that can comfort and encourage you to keep going.

Weight loss may seem scary at first, but it doesn't have to be that way. Taking small steps at the beginning can make the whole thing a lot easier. Just be sure to keep in mind that you are not only losing weight, but working towards a better life. Think of every change as a positive addition that you plan to use in your life going forward.