Obesity rates are climbing across the country so it’s no surprise people are always looking for specific tips to lose weight as well as general weight loss advice. We all know when we are overweight, but it just seems too hard to find a diet a diet plan that works. The reason for this is simple; diets alone don’t work. In fact, if you simply go on a diet, chances are extremely high that you will gain all of the weight back after you stop dieting, which is why we hear so much about the yo-yo diet phenomena.

The only true to way to lose weight and keep it off, is to change your lifestyle. Simple changes can result in fast weight loss and the good news is that if you keep with your lifestyle changes you will continue to lose weight and the weight will stay off. Here are 3 simple tips on how to lose weight fast and keep it off:

Cut the Excessive Calories
The first thing you need to do to lose weight is to limit the amount of calories that you consume in an average day. Think back to what you ate in the last week and try to cut about one-third of the calories out of your diet. A great way to eat less without a lot of work is to drink two eight-ounce glasses of water before each meal. By drinking the water first, you will have the sensation of already starting to feel full. That way when you eat fewer calories in your meals, you will still feel full.

It is also important to remember that moderation is the key. Don’t tell yourself you can never have a piece of cake; that just isn’t practical. Since we are talking about lifestyle changes, it is better to limit yourself to having those decadent deserts maybe once a week, rather than limiting it all together. If you make a diet that requires large sacrifices, more often than not, you won’t stay on your diet. So, be realistic about your diet plan. By limiting the fried foods, saturated fats and high sugar drinks you are well on your way to a healthy diet.

Exercise to Burn Fat and Increase Metabolism
In order to lose weight fast, you will definitely have to exercise. The amount and type of exercise that you do will depend on your level of physical fitness and current physical condition. A great start point for beginners is simply walking. Think about waking up 45 minutes early every morning and using that time to go on a brisk walk. Start out slow and walk faster as you get in better shape.

Aerobics is also a great way to tone up and get in shape. You can simply buy a fitness DVD and workout each day for 30-45 minutes. Or, if you need some extra motivation join, an aerobics class where you know there will be a teacher on hand to give you an extra push. Just remember to start out slow with whatever form of exercise you choose and build from there.

Set a Realistic Goal
The best way to keep working hard is to set short-term realistic goals. Sure you want to lose weight fast, but experts say that it is only safe to lose about 1 1/2 pounds a week. So set a goal of losing about five pounds a month, which is very realistic if you are cutting back on your diet and exercising regularly. Celebrate when you achieve a goal, you earned it and then set another one. By setting realistic goals, you will be more motivated to reach them because you know that they are attainable with a little hard work.

Despite what the media wants you to think, weight loss isn’t rocket science.  These simple but effective tips to lose weight should go a long way in helping you not only lose weight fast but for the long term as well.  So now that you have the knowledge get out there and make a permanent healthy change to your life style.  Your body will thank you.