Achieving a quick slim down - and staying slim - can be a big ask sometimes.

It can feel like an uphill battle to lose just a few pounds and it seems that if we happen to stray off the path even a little, they all come back on again, with reinforcements.

Sometimes, we wonder why we bother. Then when we can't fit into that special dress, pair of slacks or swimsuit, we also wonder why we can't slim down and look good for more than a few days.

Desperation can drive us to do strange things too. Here is one 'quick slim down mistake' that you may like to avoid.

What was my mistake? Going on a diet that felt like a self-inflicted famine. It's purpose was to give me a 'quick slim down' that would kick start my weight loss.

Now, I don't know about you but I do not like being hungry. Lack of food made me feel light headed and very cross.

I was reminded that we are not created to starve ourselves. It's healthy to eat nutritious food in appropriate quantities and at appropriate times during the day. There isn't the space in this hub to deal with this point in detail, so feel free to check here for more information.

If you absolutely have to drop a pound or two - fast and from a standing start - a better way to slim down may be to:

• check your salt intake, particularly if you eat a lot of prepackaged meals. Most people need a maximum of about a teaspoon or 2400 milligrams per day. Eat much more than that and you'll very likely bloat overnight.
• dress in a way that slims you down.
• amp up your smile and fake it til you make it. 

Click here to read more about this topic.

Above all, get started on your new healthy lifestyle and don't give up.

All the best!