For just about everyone on a diet, there are those lonely times when the only thing on the mind is food. Unfortunately that food is generally not spinach and broccoli, but rather, pizza and cheeseburgers. The fact of the matter is, no matter who you are or what you are dieting for, there are going to be those times in which you will convince yourself that cheating on your diet is not a big deal, and do just that, cheat. However it is how you bounce back from that cheat meal, and how you handle the other non cheating days that will make the biggest difference in your quest for proper weight loss. Below I am going to outline some of what I consider to be the best tips for weight loss, hence my title, weight loss tips.

1. Ditch the Soda, Drink the Water

   It is very common to ask an overweight person what he/she is drinking on a daily basis, and get a response that follows along the lines of soda, and sport drinks. Unfortunately these types of beverages can be detrimental to a persons figure, and would most definitely hinder performance on a diet. The reasoning stems from the fact that these drinks contain large amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, and high fructose corn syrup (another form of sugar). If not burned off properly these nutrients will sit in the pit of a persons stomach and eventually turn into pure fat. Another negative in a persons drinking diet is alcohol, which commonly contains high amounts of carbohydrates, calories, and fat. Though there is hope if a person is willing to change their drinking habits there is hope. Water is by far the best beverage a person can consume while on a diet of any kind. It contains none of the bad stuff (calories, carbohydrates, or sugar), it fills you up, and keeps you hydrated. Most doctors recommend that you drink 8 glasses of water per day, however I recommend that if you are serious about loosing weight, drink upwards of one gallon per day.

2. No more Fast Food

   From experience I can honestly say that the biggest factor in my weight gain in life comes from fast food. In generally these products are gross processed foods, warmed and served to the customer. I will not argue with the fact that these foods can taste very good, but you have to set your priorities in the right direction. Would you get more fulfillment from eating a Big Mac or from loosing 50 pounds? For most people that should be an obvious choice, but for those who think that short term satisfaction is key, just think about the long term health and social effects. If you are person that is constantly on the run, and is always eating fast food, find something else, like subway, or a panera and have a whole wheat bread sandwich, with water and an apple.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

   This category is pretty self explanatory, the harsh reality is that many people do not eat nearly enough fruits and/or vegetables on a daily basis. Now I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, but I would recommend having at least one fruit or vegetable with every single meal that you consume on a daily basis.

4. Take a Multi-Vitamin

   I would be willing to guess that most people do not get their required daily dosages of vitamins/minerals just out of the foods they eat, especially if they are neglecting fruits/vegetables and eating fast food. However for a few bucks one can go to the local pharmacy and find a multi vitamin that will give 100% daily dosage of all the vitamins and minerals they would every need. Coupled with a solid diet, these extra nutrients can help to push you over the edge.

5. Exercise

   Perhaps the most important thing of all when it comes to weight loss is the exercise property. I would suggest that person do at the very least, 20 minutes of cardio three times per week. If you are capable of running, then run, otherwise walk, but make sure you are doing so at an incline. Other exercises include the stair master, an elliptical machine, or the bike. All of these can burn calories for you, some more than others.

That should get you started onward to your weight loss goals, just remember no fast food!