Two Simple Steps To Start Your Weight Loss Journey

First time trying to lose weight? Simplify your goals to give yourself the best chance of success

For some reason, as you get older, you "accept" things as they are. Your beer belly. You lack energy and vitality. Your libido decreases. Your horrible man boobs. Yes, as we age, stress and responsibilities increase, and the time spent in the gym decreases. You end up with a Bowflex disguised as a clothes hanger and a Hummer-sized spare tire. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Here are two things you can do to right the ship without amputation or adopting The Rock's diet.

1. Start Moving Your Body

You don't have to spend hours at the gym to get in better shape. A full-body workout once or twice a week at home or at the gym is better than nothing.

When people reach a low point in their lives, such as facing a huge weight loss goal, they often decide to completely change their lives overnight. You might adopt some fad diet and only drink coffee with butter and eat six grapefruits a day. Because, let’s face it, it’s easy to get motivated at first.

It’s easy to be motivated to lose 20 pounds because you know your weight is holding you back.

During the "honeymoon phase," it's easy to become interested in your relationship.

It’s easy to stick to a diet for a week or two…

It's easy until it gets hard.

Being consistent is another thing.

Everyone can start.

The action is great. This is a good first step. But only repeated actions—almost on autopilot—can lead to big wins. After all, life can get in the way of your best plans. Work gets hectic. The children are sick. If your diet attempts always take the same all-or-nothing approach and always fail quickly, you need a pattern break to stop the endless cycle of failure.

Instead, focus on small wins.

Making small, habitual changes can help you believe change is possible and start a series of positive changes as you move forward. Focus on one new habit at a time and they will become second nature. Start with 10 minutes of exercise a day and gradually progress until 10 minutes becomes part of your daily routine.

2. Attack The Areas Of Need Most Through Diet

You know you can’t beat bad eating habits with exercise. However, you don't know where to start.

Rather than trying to change everything about the way you currently eat, pick an area and start addressing it.

Maybe it’s late night binge eating.

Maybe it’s skipping breakfast.

Maybe this is your weekend.

Attack the areas of greatest need and you'll see the benefits immediately.

Once you know your triggers, make a plan to deal with them. Maybe you always prepare meals on Sunday afternoons. Maybe you always start your day with a smoothie. Maybe you exercise on the same day and time every week.

You can start with these simple tips: Set a small calendar reminder that will beep on your phone on the day and specific time you plan to exercise. This way you can take on extra responsibilities every day with the device near your vest

Of course, frustration and the odd missed workout are part of the journey. Relax, dust yourself off, and get back on the horse. What matters is the big picture. One day of bad eating won't ruin your weight loss efforts. Keep this in mind and you'll be less likely to give up at the first sign of trouble. Find the worst area of your diet and take small steps to correct it.