Do These 10 Things to Lose Fat and Keep It Off

This is probably the most important factor of all. Know your why. Have one enormously personal reason you want to lose weight that resonates strongly that is bigger than your excuses and keeps you motivated no matter what. Thinking "I want to be there for my family" is sure to be more effective than "I want to look good in my jeans."

If you come from a background of eating junk or processed foods, explore the vast array of whole, healthy foods. If spinach smoothies aren't your thing, maybe chia pudding is. Despise all things cauliflower? Maybe broccoli will be your fave. Instead of mourning the foods you shouldn't eat, take this as a fun opportunity to explore all the foods you can.

Strive to eat healthy and exercise on a regular basis. Do it in a way that's manageable for your life and your goals, and it'll become second nature. Some days you won't feel like getting up at 6 a.m. to hit the gym. Some days you'll want to throw out your kale salad for a cookie. Committing to a healthy and fit lifestyle may mean doing things you don't feel like, but you'll do them anyway because you know you'll feel amazing and proud afterward.

Whether you're going on holiday, you have your friend's birthday party this weekend, or you know next week is going to be hectic with work, planning your meals and workouts ahead of time is key. Know when you want to indulge so you can focus on eating healthy the rest of the time. Be aware of when cravings are toughest so you can have high-protein snacks ready. Meal prep on Sunday so dinner is set on nights you know you'll be home late. Staying proactive will help you stay on track.

As you're evolving and progressing on your weight-loss journey, your goals have got to keep up! Aim to run a certain number of miles per week or get in a certain number of weekly strength-training sessions. Keep track of how much weight you can deadlift and celebrate every time you add 10 pounds to the bar. When your waist gets smaller, go out and buy a new (workout) outfit. There's so much to celebrate beyond the number on the scale, and setting specific and personal mini goals will keep you excited and inspired.

If you can't make it to the gym or you eat a pan of brownies, don't feel defeated and give up. Get right back on track the following day by hitting a workout or eating a healthy meal. We all have moments where we fall off the healthy train — it's normal! But it's how you handle it that will make all the difference in your progress. Aim for consistency, not perfection.