Swimsuit season is fast approaching, and many of my students have come to me for help with weight loss. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity continue to be problems across America. The most prevalent setback I see in clients’ diet recalls and food journals is that they eat too many processed foods. Many of them have even tried fad diets, fasting, and pills. These approaches don’t work! The only weight loss method that truly works is to adopt a healthful lifestyle change.

So how do you change your lifestyle? First, you have to want to change your lifestyle, not just for a quick weight loss, but for good. Secondly, you have to be patient; healthful fat loss takes time! Finally, you have to eat well and exercise. As it turns out, most people I’ve counseled are willing to do anything to lose weight except eat well and exercise… And this leads to a vicious cycle ending in weight gain! It’s simple to start a lifestyle change: Cut the junk. Switch your processed snacks to fresh fruit with a protein, think a pear with a little cheese or nut butter. Substitute processed foods for fresh vegetables at each meal, but only use a little fat for flavor. Once you’ve cleaned up your plate, kick up your workout routine, even if it’s by 5 minutes. Now you’re on the road to a healthier life!