We asked the BuzzFeed Community to show us their weight loss journeys and share their best tips. Everyone's experiences and bodies are different, but here's what worked for them.
1.Don't be scared to eat something if you're craving it. Depriving yourself of your favorite foods can hinder your success in the long run.
2.Understand that it's okay to start small and then work your way up. You should listen to your body and take things slowly if you need to.
3.Focus on your overall health instead of a certain number on the scale.
4.Teach yourself about serving sizes and calories (but don't obsess over them).
5.Always try to take the stairs, and walk every chance you get, even if it's just around the block.
6.Try working out first thing in the morning, which may inspire you to make healthier decisions throughout the rest of your day.
7.Start keeping track of your progress – steps, workouts, etc. – in a journal or the Notes app so you can physically see all of your hard work and growth.
8.Learn about macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats) and how you can use them to make healthy, balanced foods for yourself.
9.Try not to think about your journey/lifestyle change as a "diet," because that may negatively imply that you're limiting or restricting yourself.
10.Understand that it's okay to eat out at restaurants, but try to learn how to make healthier food substitutions in the kitchen and when you're not at home.
11.If you can afford it, hire a personal trainer. This may help you feel comfortable at the gym, get confident with new workouts, and hold yourself more accountable.
12.But understand that you don't need a gym membership or a personal trainer to see results. Doing at-home workouts is a great substitute if you don't want to spend the money or aren't comfortable with going to a gym.
13.Don't feel like you need to do a complete overhaul and change every single thing about your life – small, consistent changes are key.
14.Make working out an activity you can do with someone else, as a way to keep each other motivated.
15.Understand that your heart, mind, and body won't be into it every single day. That's totally normal and okay.
16.Stop drinking your calories (i.e. try to cut down on sodas, sugary drinks, and alcohols).
17.Try to be completely honest with yourself, think about your journey, and understand why you really want to make a change.
18.Stop. Eating. Fast. Food.
19.Stop paying attention to the number on the scale. In fact, just stop weighing yourself in general.
20.Find an aspect of fitness that you actually enjoy – whether that's running to clear your head, rock climbing to gain strength, or dancing to burn calories – and stick to it.
21.Just commit to one workout a week (or just a 10-minute walk or just one healthy meal) until you're feeling comfortable and confident enough to do more.
22.Try documenting your food and fitness journeys online so other people can motivate you and help hold you accountable (and so you can inspire them, too!).
23.And most importantly, be patient! You probably won't see changes overnight, so don't feel disheartened if there isn't immediate progress.
