11. Make exercise enjoyable.
If physical activity is a critical component of your weight loss plan, it must be exercise that you find fun and enjoyable. Otherwise, you’ll likely lose steam and not keep the weight off. So whether running, dancing, playing sports, or lifting weights, find an activity you love doing (or at least love how you feel afterward) to reap the sustainable weight loss benefits.
“Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and stick with it,” encourages Best.
12. Track what you’re eating.
You can’t improve what you don’t track. Losing weight is challenging enough as it is, so make it easier on yourself by monitoring your food intake. This practice involves keeping a daily log of what you eat and jotting down how you feel afterward. This can help you gain a better understanding of the way you eat and make changes as necessary, according to Harvard Health Publishing. For example, an older study from 2008 looked at almost 1,700 participants and found that those who tracked their daily food intake dropped double the weight as those who didn’t.
“Stay accountable by tracking your food intake and progress towards your weight loss goals,” says Best.