For many people, one of the hardest things to do is lose weight. Some practically starve themselves just to lose a few pounds. Others try one fad diet after another, while others are simply confused with all the information on weight loss. Is there a diet or program that really works? Can you lose all that weight without going under the knife? Many people can show that this can be done.

Also, you can lose weight in a healthy way. Here are 8 tried and tested ways to start shedding the pounds and inches off your waist:

1 – Plan and prepare. If you decide to lose weight, you need a plan. Plan your daily meals in advance and schedule your activities to include your exercise regimen.

2 – Create a sensible weight loss plan. Focus on strategies that you can easily do in the long term, such as changing your diet to include more vegetables or taking uncomplicated meal replacements and herbal supplements, such as diet pills.

3 – Get a fitness buddy. According to studies, people who try to lose weight with a friend are more successful than those who do it on their own.

4 – Skipping meals is a no-no. In fact, try to eat more often. Experts recommend eating five to six small meals a day to keep hunger at bay and avoid overeating. Your last food intake should be at least two hours before sleeping.

5 – Eat foods rich in fiber that stimulate metabolism and give you a feeling of satiety. Like fiber, there are weight loss aids, such as diet pills, that also help control overeating by curbing your appetite.

6 – Lift your body and move. You don’t have to join a gym to get some exercise. Increasing your physical activity every day, like walking, would do wonders for your body.

7 – Prevent your body from becoming dehydrated. This is important to replenish the water your body loses during your weight loss program.

8 – Keep a record of how you do on a daily basis. This will help you see where you need to improve and reinforce your achievements.

As you go through the steps above, remember that consistency is the key to any weight loss program. You didn’t gain all those pounds overnight, so don’t expect to lose them in the blink of an eye. Still, you can see significant changes in your body within two to four weeks with consistent efforts. Just take this challenge day by day and focus on your goals.