How to Lose Weight, the Healthy Way

Nowadays, everyone is looking for a way to lose weight quickly. I'm not saying it can't happen - but I think we all know this is not the best way to keep the weight off, and it's not the healthiest weight loss method by any means.

The key to weight loss over time is a healthy diet, or more accurately a healthy lifestyle. Diet usually implies a 'temporary fix'. This is not what we want, though. We want changes that will become habitual, and therefore greatly increase your chance of achieving your weight loss goals.

The problem - most people don't like the idea of change, or think they need to reinvent themselves for this change to occur. In reality, the easiest way to alter your lifestyle is through small but consistent healthy lifestyle changes.

Don't become overwhelmed - this can be simple! Here's a few examples:

• Love baked goods? Try using Splenda instead of sugar for a healthy alternative.
• Don't want to throw away your Mom's meatloaf recipe? Sprinkle in rolled oats to boost the nutritional value.
• Chocolate ice cream calling your name? Try a recipe that uses whole milk instead of all heavy cream.

Get the idea?

Here is one of the best weight loss tips for beginners when it comes to changing your daily lifestyle...

Seriously sit back a week or two and analyze every single meal you have and ask yourself one question with each bite - What substitutions can I make to ensure this meal is healthier next time I have it? When you sit back, read nutrition data and gain a better understanding of the components of your meal, you can then create a healthy weight loss plan.

The great part about this method is you still eat all your favorite meals and the foods you love! You're not going from burgers and fried chicken to tofu and a celery stick, it's more like turkey burgers and baked chicken. If you make a conscious effort while shopping and preparing your meals, you will transform your daily regime into a healthy diet weight loss plan without even realizing the major change you have made.

The beauty of being healthy is not just in the ego factor (although we all know that can be nice, too!), but it's realizing how wonderful nature really is. I am by no means a vegetarian, but I think it's amazing that there are a plethora of high quality dietary options that grow from the ground, and you really can't go wrong with any type of earthly vegetation.

But back to this project - I plan to outline specific healthy weight loss tips and healthy weight loss programs that you can employ to better your body shape today. With each post, I will provide you with easy substitutions or tangible advice that you can use as fuel to light your fire for a healthy lifestyle. And of course, I will explain why such changes are healthy, easy and delicious.

Enjoy!