How to lose a lot of weight

Battling the bulge is never going to be easy, but it's more challenging for dieters with a large amount of weight to lose. While many hope to drop those stubborn 15 pounds, for some the loss they desire ventures into triple figures.

Things You'll Need

• time
• perserverance
• determination
• journal
• pen
• spreadsheet program (i.e. Excel)
• scales
• measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  In a journal, create a list of why you want to lose weight and what your loss will help you achieve. Do you want to be able to feel confident? Be healthier? Fit into a size 10? Writing down these thoughts will be helpful in spurring you into action as well as allowing you to turn back to the list when times get tough.

• 2

  Understand that the changes you will be undertaking will be a change of lifestyle. While a 'diet' can be a quick fix the results will only stick if you change the way you are living (and eating).

• 3

  Using scales and measuring tape record your weight and measurements. If you have a set of scales which measures in 1/4lb increments, use them. This way you can see any loss you have accomplished.

  When measuring note down all sorts of measurements including: neck, wrists, ankles, thighs, bust, waist and hips. While it might seem excessive seeing your measurements change can encourage you when the scales aren't showing losses. Re-measure yourself once a month to see how your body shape is changing.

  When recording these weights and measurements, I used Excel to create a spreadsheet. While some may prefer to note them in the journal, I have found that using the PC enabled me to create all sorts of charts and graphs.

• 4

  Determine your body mass index by an online calculator. Your BMI is a guideline to understand that status of your body - that is, whether you are: healthy, overweight, obese, severely obese or morbidly obese. Knowing your current BMI and your healthy BMI will help you in setting a weight loss goal.

• 5

  Assess your lifestyle. Some prefer to do this by keeping a journal of their moods and what they have been eating for at least a week. This way you can see if you're eating for reasons such as boredom or for comfort. A journal can also help you see just how much you have been eating so you can find a plan which will help you succeed at reaching your weight loss goals.

• 6

  Some, including myself, find it easier to follow a plan, such as Weight Watchers. If you choose to go down this route you will find your first few weeks easier as the foods are almost laid out for you into a recipe for success. However don't just follow your plan, embrace it and understand how to make it work for you on a daily and long-term basis. Whether this is putting together strategies to deal with holidays or parties or even to find ways to work in special treats such as a bar of chocolate.

• 7

  Take photographs of yourself monthly. Many of us detest being photographed as we feel fat or frumpy, but over the course of a few months you will be able to see the physical changes taking place which have resulted from your hard work.

• 8

  Don't do it alone! On the internet there are many forums and groups available with people in the same boat as you. As a follower of Weight Watchers, I found the support groups were incredibly helpful in both celebrating the highs and riding out the lows that come with this new lifestyle.

• 9

  Rather than focus on your goal weight, which if you were me was 100lbs off and break it down into 10% mini-goals. Starting at 248lbs, I focussed on each 25lb increment (10% of my starting weight). With each successful mini-goal met, reward yourself. Whether it's new clothes or a day of pampering or just a luxurious bubble bath - make sure you give your body indulgence!

• 10

  Remember: your weight did not just appear overnight, so don't expect to lose it that quickly. Slow and steady wins the race, so don't dismay if you're only losing 1-2lbs a week. Losing any quicker is not healthy and sets you up to regain it all and then some!

• 11

  Find an exercise which doesn't feel like it! Working out doesn't need to drive you insane. I did and still do detest traditional exercise but have managed to find myself getting fitter in new and unusual ways including: pilates balls (like a space hopper but better), belly dancing dvds (I knew my belly was good for something) and aqua aerobics (the most fun you'll have in a swimming pool).