Tips for DIY Weight Loss

Between expensive maintenance plans, health club memberships and specialized diet foods, losing weight can quickly become an expensive ordeal. That is why many people are undertaking the process on their own. Do-it-yourself weight loss is possible, especially if you can find a little support and stay consistent until your reach your goal weight.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor before you commence any weight loss plan on your own. Schedule a physical and inform the doctor that you plan to start a weight loss plan. The physician can advise you of any nutritional or exercise limitations due to any physical conditions. She can also help you lay out a plan or revise your current one for better success.

• 2

  Stay away from fad diets. It has been proven time and time again that old fashioned diet and exercise is the best method for weight loss success in the long term. Fad diets may yield fast results, but often at the expense of your health or the regaining of the weight almost immediately after going off the diet.

• 3

  Set small milestones. DIY weight loss candidates often find that the first few days or weeks fly by. However, it is easy to get discouraged as the goal weigh looms several pounds in the future. Making small milestones will keep you motivated, reducing the chances of relapsing to old eating and exercise habits. Set goals that include a certain size, small pound reduction intervals, and even exercise goals.

• 4

  Drink water. Stay hydrated to keep your body ready for the fat burning. Water also helps in portion control during meals by filling some of that stomach space with the calorie and fat free liquid, leaving less room for food.

• 5

  Eat at every meal. People believe that eating less means cutting out meals and snack, but the opposite is true. Skipping meals causes you to binge, according to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). You feel hungrier later in the day and will be more likely to consume more calories that you would throughout a day of balanced meals. The NIDDK also states that eating small meals and snacks throughout the day fosters appetite control, something that can help overeaters.

• 6

  Use what you have in the house for exercise. For light weights, go to the kitchen and get out the canned goods. Books, laundry, and bags of dried beans also work. Incorporate kids toys such as large outdoor balls, jump ropes, and roller blades if you can fit in them. Use your stairs for exercise as well. Drag out your bike or go for a walk or jog. You don't need fancy equipment.

• 7

  Add variety to your workouts with the help of your local library. You can take that Zumba, pilates, yoga or even strip aerobics class that you want by going to the library -- most stock exercise DVDs in the self-help section of the audio-visual or media department. Rentals are free and you can request any programs they don't have.