How to Lose 10 Pounds a Month

So, you've decided to start a weight loss program. Maybe you're gearing up for summer, getting ready for a wedding or reunion, or you're fed up with being overweight and out of shape.

Whatever the reason, these 7 tips are proven to help people with weight loss and will help you be successful, too!

Weight Loss Tip #1: Set Specific, Measurable, and Realistic Goals

The best thing to keep you motivate is to set goals that are realistic and achievable. Set short term and long term goals so you can feel good about what you're doing when you hit each of your small goals.

Ask yourself, "How much weight do I want to lose per week, month, year, etc?" or "What do I want to get out of this weight loss program?" Do you want to be able to run 5 miles, bench 150 pounds, do 20 situps?

Be sure to make your goals specific and measurable. "I want to lose weight and get in shape" is all good, but it's not specific and it's hard to measure. Losing 10 pounds a month and running 5 miles without stopping are both specific and measurable.

Once you've figured out your goals...write them down and track them! Writing down goals is the key to success in pretty much everything in life and it is no different for weight loss!

Weight Loss Tip #2: Plan and Prepare

To truly lose weight and keep it off you need to make changes to your lifestyle. The sodas in your fridge, candy in your purse or backpack, and fast food lunches will keep you from reaching your goals.

Make a new list of healthy foods that you need to start shopping for and keep in stock. This list should include fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and lean meats to start.

Have these foods on hand at all times and PLAN out your meals so you're not left eating whatever is available in the nearest vending machine.

Weight Loss Tip #3: Set up a Reward System

You lost two pounds last week and stuck to your meal plan...great! Feel free to reward yourself with something that you have been wanting. Maybe it's a new pair of shoes or new clothes, a new CD, or even a tasty treat that you have been craving. Of course, don't go crazy with the tasty treats or you'll be back at square one!

Weight Loss Tip #4: Eat a Healthy Breakfast Everyday

You know that whole saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Well, it really is! By not eating breakfast you are wreaking havoc on your metabolism. You are basically telling your body that you are deprived and starving for food. In turn, you body will slow your metabolism and you will feel lethargic, you won't burn as many calories throughout the day, and you'll be much more likely to go on an eating binge when you do eat.

Eat your breakfast or else!

Weight Loss Tip #5: Exercise!

This is an obvious one, but people neglect to get enough exercise which is one of the reasons we are dealing with an obesity epidemic. Increase your physical activity by any means necessary. Walking, running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, playing sports...anything!

One thing many people also neglect is a good weight training program. This is just as, if not more important than doing cardio for weight loss. Lifting weights helps you build and maintain muscle which is a metabolic furnace! The more muscle you have the more calories you burn! You don't need to be a muscle bound freak, but building a little muscle is important!

Weight Loss Tip #6:

You need to get 7-8 hours of sleep to keep all of your bodily functions working in tip top shape. Sleep allows you to recover both mentally and physically. By not getting enough sleep you will lose motivation to exercise and eat properly.

Not getting enough sleep can sabotage a weight loss program!

Weight Loss Tip #7: Rest and Relaxation

Taking some time for yourself to do the things you love are an important part of any weight loss program. This will ensure that you maintain balance in your life and don't get too burnt out on work, exercise, or nutrition and make the process of losing weight more enjoyable!

By staying consistent and following these tips you will see results and stay motivated to keep making progress. Good Luck!