Don't expect a miracle
It probably took you a lifetime to reach the size you are now, and that means it might take years to become the healthiest version of yourself, says Alicia Marie, a holistic1 enthusiast2 who has dropped more than 100lbs. It may be a long time before you see physical changes -- but don't let that discourage you.
Don't go on a diet
Embracing an eating plan specifically designed for weight loss is a temporary measure to a permanent problem. "A 'diet' is something a person goes on, knowing there comes a time when they go off of it," says Randy Hartman, a reinvention coach who has lost more than 80lbs. "This only exacerbates3 the problems and ends in yo-yo weight loss. It's far better to embark4 on an eating plan that you can follow for the rest of your life. Consistency5 over the long haul is key."
Don't be drastic
Instead of making lots of big changes, Becky Lehman, who, after losing 100lbs, is now a certified6 health coach, recommends making one small change a day to move yourself closer to your health goals and avoid becoming overwhelmed. "Drastic changes don't tend to stick, but the basic concepts of weight loss remain the same: move more, eat more vegetables, drink more water," she says. "Drinking one extra glass of water today will not cause the scale to drop 20lbs, but those small changes can add up to huge and lasting7 transformati
