how to lose weight in 6 months

Lose weight in the New Year. You always make the resolution and now is the year to stick with it to lose weight in six months! By not trying to force yourself to lose weight at record speeds, you're less likely to yo-yo and can work toward maintaining a healthy weight the healthy way. By making a consistent effort to stick with a weight loss plan for six months, you're allowing yourself to get over the '3 month hump' that it takes all of us to integrate new routines comfortably into our lives, and you will be able to look forward to going to the beach this Summer.

The best part - you can lose weight steadily for very little money. You just have to be ready to put in the effort!

Difficulty:
Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • A notebook
  • A new pair of sneakers and a new workout outfit (we'll explain this in a minute)
  • At least one other person - a friend, relative, or trainer
    • 1

      Emotionally and mentally prepare yourself for the weight loss journey you are about to take. It's easy to jump into something full of motivation, and then quickly get burnt out and lose interest. Don't let this happen to you! By sitting yourself down and acknowledging that this process is essential to your health and higher self esteem, you can prepare to be committed to your weight loss plan for six months.

    • 2

      Purchase a workout outfit for yourself. It needn't be expensive. Purchasing something new to help you as you lose weight in six months serves as a motivator for you -- you would hate to waste the money on an outfit you never wear, and the courage and mindfulness of the weight loss process deserves a gift to boost your motivation as you get started.

    • 3

      Cleanse your cabinets -- remove all junk or 'comfort food' from your house that contains refined sugars, loads of salt and other highly processed ingredients. By forcing yourself to throw away all of it, you are physically connecting with your commitment to losing weight in six months. As you throw the food away, keep your thought process optimistic and tell yourself that you will not replenish these foods in your house anymore after this point.

    • 4

      Stick to a new grocery list. Create a list on your computer split into categories: Fresh Produce, Protein, Dairy, Grains, and Toiletries. Looks a bit like the food pyramid, doesn't it? But notice there is no fat/oil category. Add a handful of items to each section of foods you enjoy, and print out your list. Make sure you ONLY buy these things and nothing more. Revise the list on your computer as you discover other healthy foods you enjoy, and collect your lists in an envelope. After six months, you will see how many healthy foods you have put into your body, which will motivate you even more in the future.

    • 5

      Exercise. This is the simplest yet often the most difficult aspect of weight loss plans for people. You don't need to join a gym, and you don't need to be participating in triathlons. If you try too hard at the beginning, you are likely to be frustrated and give up. Start with walking around the block, parking further away at the grocery store, or taking stairs instead of elevators. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and grab a friend to walk with you.

    • 6

      Keep a support system. Tell all of your friends and family about your plan to lose weight in six months. The more people you tell, the more embarrassed you will feel if you have to face them in six months having not stuck with your plan. Entrust a couple close friends or relatives with your ongoing process and ask them to call you each week or even each day to check in. If you are held accountable for your actions, you are less likely to slip.

    • 7

      Keep a journal of your progress. Write down what you've eaten each day, how you've exercised, or even just one way that you adjusted your attitude or felt better about yourself compared to the previous day.

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Tips & Warnings

  • Fill a gallon jug with water each morning and make it a goal to drink all of it by the time you go to bed.

  • Avoid artificial sweeteners when craving sugar. All sugars are not created equal! Turn to fresh fruit and a big glass of water when you are craving sweets.

  • Don't buy 'future clothes' for yourself. If you don't fit into them by the time you expect, you will feel disappointed and be likely to quit your plan.

  • Be wary of burnout. Don't try to do everything at once.

  • Consult with your doctor before and during your six month weight loss program to help you with your goals and make sure you're being healthy.

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