Weight loss can be a long, overwhelming journey, but it is one that in the end will be extremely beneficial to you. More than one in three adults are considered obese in the United States today, and people are willing to try anything to lose the weight. Accounts of success after coolsculpting, bariatric surgery, and diet pills have all been circulating, but before you consider any of that, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Fad Diets Don’t Work

The average American now makes four weight loss attempts every year, and a major factor that plays into that number is the fad diet. Crazy diets like the cabbage soup diet and the baby food diet have people convinced that there’s some kind of secret to weight loss. In reality, eating healthy foods rich in vitamins and protein are what most medical weight loss programs recommend.

Speak in Positives

One of the biggest struggles with weight loss is the mental state you’re in. Many people resort to the ideology that they have to do this, or that they can’t, or don’t have time. Negative outlooks can only hurt your weight loss. Instead, make it a personal choice by thinking in positives. You won’t eat unhealthy food. You can make it through this workout!

Sleep

Getting inadequate amounts of sleep has been proven to contribute to weight gain. The average adult should be getting seven to nine hours every night. If you’re getting less than that, you could be harming your body and mind, not to mention hindering your weight loss progress.

Stay Hydrated

A high percentage of your body is water, which means that you do, in fact, need it to survive. Staying hydrated can help clear up your skin, regulate your digestive tract, and even boost your metabolism by up to three percent.

Medical weight loss normally doesn’t involve surgery, but if you’re planning on losing a significant amount of weight, you should always consult your doctor or a weight loss specialist. The most important things to remember when you’re trying to lose weight is to stay healthy, and work toward a more active lifestyle.