Millions of us, around the world, are struggling with weight loss everyday. It is a constant battle between what foods to eat, what workout plan to follow, and where to find social support. Losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle often seems like a never ending maze.

The beginning of the year is always the time when we are the most motivated to lose weight. We are all aware of the New Year Resolution posse that floods the gym with good intentions of starting a healthier lifestyle. Sadly, once February rolls around that motivation and passion slowly starts to dwindle away.

Well I am about to share with you 5 weight loss tips that will help you become more successful in your health quest. Following these weight loss tips will help you stay on track and conquer those fat loss demons.

1.   Come Up With a Plan of Attack

 Take some time to really figure out what your goals are for the next 6 months to a year. Break those goals down into smaller, more achievable goals that can be accomplished in the near future. Setting smaller goals allows you to not think in all or nothing mentality. People who write down goals and revisit them on a regular basis are much more likely to reach their destination.

The next step is to implement a plan of attack. Plan everything from what type of nutritional plan you will be following to what workout program you will be utilizing. Plan out how you will avoid any obstacles that might try to sabotage your weight loss goals. Take some time and really hash out all the details for your Plan of Attack!

 2.  Surround Yourself With Social Support                  

 Being around others with similar goals will only enhance your chances of being successful. I am a firm believer that you are who you hang around. If you are constantly surrounded by people who are negative and unmotivated, it will eventually start to rub off on you. On the other side of the spectrum, positive and healthy people will have a huge impact on your lifestyle.

Surround yourself with folks who live a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown you will lose more weight if you have social support. Social support can come from friends, family, co-workers, and online support groups. Eliminate those who consistently cause you stress and provide no support.

 3.   Develop a Positive Mindset

 Your mind is the most powerful tool. I always find that people set themselves up for failure before even getting started. If you go into your fat loss journey with a negative mindset, you’re doomed. You must go into this journey knowing you will succeed not letting anything stand in the way.

Write down on a piece of paper all the negative thoughts that are implanted in your mind. Take that piece of paper and rip it to shreds. Throw it in the trash and never look back. Next, write down all the positive changes and thoughts that will help you on your health quest. Post them in a spot where they will be seen on a daily basis. Visualise your success and remember to always stay positive.

4.   Say No To Slow, Boring Cardio                  

 Followers of my blog know how much I am against slow cardio. I get so angry when I see personal trainers telling their clients to do an hour of cardio 4-5 times a week. These trainers are taking clients hard earned money and throwing it away with useless cardio.

A study found that 300 hours of cardio per year helped men only lose 6 pounds (and women lost only 4 pounds). That’s about 50 hours of cardio just to lose one pound. What a waste of time!

A muchbetter solution to fat loss is performing interval training. Numerous research has shown that interval training/ resistance training can help you lose weight and gain muscle. This type of training also burns up to 9 times more calories after the workout (EPOC). Please don’t fall victim to the slow boring cardio nonsense.

5.   Plan, Shop, Prepare food on Weekends

 Allocate some time each weekend to plan out your meals for the upcoming week. Go to the grocery store and buy all the whole, natural food you will need for the week ahead. Only buy the items that are on your grocery list and steer away from all the junk food. Never go to the grocery store hungry. You are much more likely to buy junk food with a rumbling stomach.

Go home and prepare as many meals and snacks as possible for the week. It is hard to find time to cook during the week. Cooking and preparing meals on the weekend is a great way to solve this problem. Take your healthy lunch/snacks to work that you have already prepared. This is a great way to attempt all the temptations at work!