1. Eat What You Like (But in Moderation)
Forget strict diets. The only rule? Eat fewer calories than you burn. That’s it. No complicated macros, no forbidden foods. If you love pizza, have a slice—just don’t eat the whole pie. I used apps like MyFitnessPal to track calories without cutting out foods I enjoyed.
Key takeaway: If your diet feels like punishment, you won’t stick with it.
2. Move—But Do What You Actually Like
I hate running, so I didn’t force myself to do it. Instead, I stuck to cardio I enjoyed—swimming and the StairMaster. Find what works for you: walk, dance, bike, whatever. Make exercise fun, not a chore.
My routine: 45 minutes of cardio (something I liked) every day.
3. Know Your "Why"
Why do you want to lose weight? For health? Confidence? A big event? Your "why" keeps you going. Mine was hitting small weight goals (like losing 10 lbs at a time) instead of obsessing over the end goal.
4. Small Wins > Perfection
Trying to go from 250 lbs to 190 lbs overnight is overwhelming. Instead, focus on small, realistic goals. Celebrate every 5 lbs lost—it keeps you motivated.
5. This Isn’t a Diet—It’s a Lifestyle
Diets fail because they’re temporary. This is forever. Eat foods you like, move in ways you enjoy, and allow flexibility. Had a few beers with friends? No guilt—just get back on track the next day.
Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection
You will have off days. That’s normal. What matters is sticking to the process long-term. No extreme restrictions, no "cheat days" (that’s just another word for binging). Just steady, sustainable change.
If I—a regular college student—could do it, so can you. Trust the process.
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