Losing weight can feel like a never-ending battle, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

If you’ve ever Googled “How to lose weight,” you’ve probably come across a million different diets, workouts, and miracle solutions.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed- But to be honest, most of that stuff is just noise. 

The truth is, losing weight isn’t about finding the “perfect” diet or doing some extreme workout routine.

It’s about making small, consistent changes that add up over time. Say that with me again, consistent changes add up over time!

Let’s talk about how to get started—and keep it simple.

1. Start with Small, Sustainable Changes

I put this one first because it’s important.

A lot of people think they have to go all-in right away: cutting carbs, hitting the gym every day, and counting calories obsessively.

But here’s the thing: that kind of all-or-nothing mentality usually leads to burnout. The key is starting small and building momentum.

For example, instead of cutting out every sugary snack, try swapping one sugary drink a day for water. Or, if you’re not exercising yet, aim for 10-minute walks after dinner. These little changes don’t seem like much, but over time, they add up—and they’re way easier to stick with.

2. Eat Real, Whole Foods (And Less Junk)

You don’t need a fancy diet plan to lose weight. What really works is eating more whole, nutrient-dense foods and cutting back on processed junk. Think fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Instead of counting every calorie, focus on filling your plate with more of these whole foods.

They’ll keep you fuller longer and provide the nutrients your body needs. Plus, they tend to be lower in calories compared to processed foods, so you’ll naturally reduce your calorie intake without even thinking about it.

Does this mean you can never eat pizza or ice cream again? Of course not!

It’s all about balance. If 80% of your food is whole, healthy stuff, then you’ve got plenty of room for the occasional treat.

3. Move Your Body More (But Don’t Overdo It)

Exercise is important, but here’s the thing: you don’t need to do two-hour gym sessions or follow some grueling workout plan to see results. Start with movement that fits into your lifestyle.

Walk more. Take the stairs. Park farther away from the store.

If you want to get a little more structured, you could try 20–30 minutes of something fun a few times a week—like a quick jog, yoga, or a home workout video.

*Find something you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a chore.*

4. Don’t Skip Meals (And Don’t Starve Yourself)

If you think skipping meals will help you lose weight faster, think again. Skipping meals or drastically cutting calories will only leave you feeling hungry, irritable, and more likely to binge later on. Instead, focus on regular, balanced meals.

Try to include a source of protein (chicken, beans, eggs, etc.) and healthy fat (avocado, olive oil, nuts) in every meal. If you’re in a rush a whey protein shake is a great option to fuel your body quickly. This will keep you full and satisfied. And when you’re not hungry all the time, it’s way easier to make better food choices.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drinking water is one of the easiest (and cheapest) things you can do to support weight loss.

Sometimes, your body can confuse thirst with hunger, so staying hydrated can actually prevent you from eating when you’re not really hungry. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day (640z)—more if you’re exercising or in a hot climate.

* Tip- Don’t just drink plain water if you’re sweating a lot. You need to replenish electrolytes as well. Add 1/4 tsp of high quality salt like pink Himalayan sea salt or use electrolyte packs. Try this and let me know how much more energy you have!

If plain water bores you for, try adding a few slices of lemon or cucumber for flavor. Herbal teas or crystal lite lemonade are other good options.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is often the most underrated part of weight loss, but it’s a game-changer.

When you don’t get enough rest, your hormones can go haywire, making you crave unhealthy foods and feel hungrier than usual.

Plus, lack of sleep can zap your energy, making it harder to stay active.

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night (6ish is not bad depending on the quality of sleep)  If that seems like a lot, start by adding just 15 minutes more sleep per night until you reach a healthier number.

I wrote more in depth about sleep and recovery and you can check it out here!

7. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

One of the biggest traps in weight loss is trying to be “perfect.” You’ll likely slip up here and there, and that’s okay. It’s not about being perfect— it’s about being consistent.

If you have a slice of cake or skip a workout, don’t throw in the towel.

There’s no point dwelling on the missed workout or extra cake you ate.

You can get that cake back you ate or go back in time to the missed workout.

Why dwell on something you can’t change? Get back on track the next day. Progress is about showing up, even when things don’t go according to plan.

8. Be Patient with Yourself

Finally, remember that weight loss isn’t a sprint; it’s like a marathon. Quick fixes and fad diets may promise fast results, but they’re often unsustainable in the long term. It’s not sexy or flashy but slow and steady wins the race.

Stay patient, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see drastic results overnight. Little by little, those healthy habits will start to stick—and the changes will follow.

 

Got any favorite weight loss tips or stories to share? Drop them in the comments below!