Losing weight can seem like an impossible goal, especially if you’re doing it on your own. For most people, learning how to lose weight means first learning about calories and how many calories your body needs in order to maintain its current weight and then calculating how many calories you should consume each day in order to lose weight safely and sustainably. Here are 7 easy steps that will help you meet your weight loss goals.








Step 1: Set a goal for Weight loss
Setting a goal is the first step to achieving your weight loss goals. Goals can be specific, such as dropping 10 pounds by the end of the year, or general, like trying to incorporate healthier eating habits into your life. Whatever your goal is, make sure it's measurable and time-bound so that you know when you have reached it.







Step 2: Make a plan for weight loss
Before you can lose weight, you need to make a plan for weight loss. This plan should be individualized and specific to your needs. It will help determine the type of lifestyle change you need to make and what strategies work best for you. Your plan should include when and how often you will work out, what time of day is best for eating if it's worth spending money on healthy food or just buying whatever is cheap at the grocery store, how much sleep you're getting per night and whether or not medication could be causing weight gain.











Step 3: Measure your progress in weight loss
To measure your progress, it's important to have a baseline. For weight loss, you'll want to calculate your BMI (body mass index) and your weight. To calculate BMI, you divide your weight by the square of your height. So if someone is 5'6 and weighs 150 pounds: 
150/66 = 2.1 
As long as the number is less than 30, they are considered healthy for their height and weight.









Step 4: Reward yourself for weight loss 
Reward yourself for weight loss! It's important to reward yourself for the work you put into achieving your goal. It doesn't need to be a big reward, but it does need to be something that is meaningful to you. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, consider buying yourself a new pair of shoes or getting your nails done as a reward when you hit that milestone.

Step 5: Be positive about your weight loss journey 
One of the most important things you can do on your weight loss journey is to always be positive. If you wake up and are feeling down, or you're having a hard time with your diet and exercise routine, just turn that frown upside down. Smile at the mirror! Give yourself a hug! Say good morning and go about your day. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact on how we feel about ourselves and our weight loss goals.

Step 6: Find support from others
Find support from others for weight loss. The power of social support can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Whether it's a friend, family member, or even a coworker, having someone who will encourage and support you is instrumental to your success. Encouraging words from a loved one can provide the extra push needed to get through those tough workouts or temptations at home.

Step 7: Share your success story
Start by sharing your success story to inspire others. If you're struggling to lose weight, there's someone out there who needs your story more than you need to keep it a secret. Share your progress, struggles, and victories with those who are looking for inspiration. Your story could be the thing that keeps someone from turning away from the weight loss journey for good.