Hydrate—Drink at least one gallon of pure, cold water each day. The colder the water is, the more calories your body will burn just warming the water up for digestion. Drinking water keeps your body hydrated and assists in flushing toxins from your system. 

Cut out fast food—Fast food is filled with calories, sodium and fat. Also, portion sizes at restaurants are usually twice the recommended amount your body needs.

Boost metabolism—Eat six small meals consisting of lean proteins such as skinless chicken breast, vegetables, healthy nuts (like almonds and walnuts) and healthy fats such as fish, olive and flax oil throughout the day. Eating small, frequent meals increases metabolism and helps burn extra calories.

Begin a focused, efficient and intense exercise routine—Increase weight loss and boost metabolism by performing a moderate to intense cardio routine for 20 – 45 minutes three to four times per week, and perform strength training with light to medium weights at least two times per week. The increased energy expenditure will place your system in a negative calorie ratio, which helps your body shed extra pounds.

Sleep—Getting the proper amount of sleep is key when trying to lose weight. The recommended amount of sleep is eight hours per day and it is important to let your body recuperate and re-charge every night. 

It is not a race—Keep in mind that weight loss is not a race, it is a change in lifestyle. Drastically cutting calories and starving yourself can end up hurting your health and long-term fitness success.

Seeing results—As you begin to see positive changes happening to your body you will become more motivated to continue on the healthy track that you have created. Staying in a routine will keep you dedicated, which will result in a healthier lifestyle.