Losing weight is not always as easy as the media tells us. It’s easy to get sucked into the myth that Instagram influencers perpetuate on a daily basis. Just because their ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are amazing, it doesn’t mean they achieved their goals in record time. In fact, it’s more likely that they took a few short cuts along the way, such as using a personal trainer and a chef to prepare bespoke meals.

For you or I weight loss is a balancing trick. On the one hand, we have to watch what we eat, but on the other, we still need to carry on with normal life, such as feeding the family and going to work. This makes dieting supremely difficult.

Here are some tips to help you achieve the success you dream off.

Join a Weight Loss Community

It is much easier to lose weight when you join a community. Dieting with other people helps to keep you motivated. You can compare your weight loss with theirs and use them as a sounding board when it isn’t going so well. Being part of a community also means you can share tips for what works – and what doesn’t.

Look for forums online where people on a weight loss journey hang out. If you decide to join a weight loss group such as Weight Watchers, make a point of connecting with your fellow members. There are also social media groups for people trying to lose weight.

Use Special Diet Drinks, Shakes, and Meal Replacement Bars

Counting calories is tedious and very time-consuming. Most people start off with the best of intentions but soon fall by the wayside. Who has time to count calories for every meal they eat? If you have a family and a full-time job, it’s doubtful that you can be bothered.

There are loads of excellent meal replacement products on the market, including these shakes from Shake That Weight. Use meal replacement products for breakfast and lunch, then eat a regular but healthy evening meal. This will help you to restrict your calorie intake while cutting out a lot of the hassle. The easier it is to cut calories, the easier it will be to lose weight and hit your target.

Have a Target

Weight loss soon gets boring when you have no discernible target. Sure, you know you want to lose a few pounds, but without a firm target to meet, you will lose momentum.

Weight loss is easier when you give yourself a set target and strict timeframe. For example, if you want to look svelte for a wedding in a few months’ time, work out how much you need to lose each week so you can fit into your chosen dress. This gives you a target to meet and set goals along the way.

Stick a picture of you at your most unflattering weight on the fridge, so you have to look at it each day. That’s bound to be a powerful motivator.