Why Wait Until Jan. 1? Start This Supersimple 6-Step Fat-Loss Plan Today

Published on 11/15/2018 at 11:38 AM

If you're feeling overwhelmed or confused about how to move forward on your weight-loss journey, here's a simple plan from fat-loss coach Carter Good (@cartergood on Instagram) to help you get started. With colder weather and the holiday season, Carter said it may be hard to muster up the discipline to stay consistent with a weight-loss plan. You may be thinking, "Forget it. I'll just start Jan. 1."

Only you know if now isn't the right time. But what if it was? What if you started today? Imagine waking up on New Year's Day, feeling lighter and stronger, with an arsenal of healthy habits built up? You'll feel "energized and excited to make 2019 the year you build the body and health you've always wanted," Carter wrote. End 2018 on the highest note possible, feeling proud and psyched to keep going.

If you're ready now, Carter's plan is a great place to begin. To follow it, he recommends starting each week with one of these habits; if you already do one, move on to another. He also said you can follow the order he has or pick and choose which ones you want to start with. "There's no right way to do it," he wrote. "All six habits are going to help you stay mindful and consume fewer calories." Let's do this!

Drink Enough Water

Staying hydrated will not only fill you up and make you feel energized, but sometimes hunger is actually thirst. "Water intake is, I believe, one of the best weight-loss tips that you can do," trainer and fitness guru Bob Harper said in an Instagram video. Carter said to aim to drink eight to 10 cups of water every day (or go for a gallon!). Keep a reusable water bottle with you to encourage you to sip throughout the day.

Avoid Tempting Foods

Keep tempting or trigger foods out of your home, your office drawer, your car, and your purse. Out of sight, out of mind. Avoid places that have foods you can't pass up: don't go to the coffee shop to grab a latte if you know you'll end up ordering a scone to go along with it.

Limit Snacking

Snacking between meals can ward off hunger that can make you overeat at mealtimes, but if you're snacking all day long, you're more likely to overconsume your daily calories. "Limit snacking to once a day (at most)," Carter said.

Avoid Liquid Calories

Liquid calories quickly add up — it's easy to slurp down 300 or more in minutes, not to mention all the sugar! Ditch the soda, even diet, since the artificial sweeteners will stimulate insulin levels to rise, and low levels of insulin will help you lose weight.

Also avoid all-fruit smoothies and juices; you're better off eating the actual fruit because the fiber and chewing will fill you up and make you feel more satiated. Skip the specialty coffees (with syrup and whipped cream) and sports drinks as well. Water, sparkling water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea are great calorie-free options.

Watch Your Sauces

Sauces can also add tons of calories, so swap out the ones made with cream, butter, cheese, nut butter, and sugar for low-calorie options instead. Salsa, hot sauce, herbs, spices, and fresh-squeezed lemons and limes add flavor without a ton of calories.

Focus on Eating Healthy Meals

"Never miss a healthy meal twice," Carter suggested. It's OK to indulge on brunch or have a decadent dinner, but make sure the next meal is a healthy one. This will help you follow the 80/20 rule, where you eat healthy 80 percent of the time, and the other 20 percent you can enjoy the less-healthy foods you crave.

"Here's how to follow it: Each week, I want you to introduce ONE of these new habits. If you already do one, move on to another," Carter wrote. "You can either follow the order I have here or pick and choose. There's no right way to do it. All six habits are going to help you stay mindful and consume fewer calories."