LOSING WEIGHT... This is an interesting topic and although new fads and gimmicks come out just about every 3 months the way to lose weight hasn't changed in over 50 years (I just made up a number by the way). You see when it comes to losing weight I believe in the TRUTH.

I also love MARKETING. I'm a graphic designer by trade and have always been fascinated with how companies study our brains, thoughts, emotions and ultimately our actions. 

However, I HATE how we use marketing to 'trick' us into buying things instead of using it for good; like furthering our knowledge towards TRUTH.

That being said the TRUTH is if you're not happy with your weight, whether its 5 pounds or 500 pounds that you're overweight it's been a series of YOUR small actions (medical reasons aside) which got you to where you are now; unhappy.

So what will it take to lose the weight? Well it's simple, YOU HAVE to begin reversing some of your actions. Not all, just some. You see I say "some" because this is where many people tend to exaggerate their situation. They'll say things like "does this mean I can't ever eat..." or "I'll never be able to..." Remember, small actions got you to where you are, small actions will get you back out of it too. 

So here's some TRUTH I've found when helping people lose weight. This trick is simple, small and non-drastic (if that's even a word). It can also be done anywhere, anytime and at any meal. Not only am I going to share this trick with you but I'm going to share the reasons why I suggest it. Remember that whole rant I started with, "MARKETING should be used for good, like furthering our knowledge?" I believe that people should not only follow good advice but also KNOW WHY they're following it. Who knows where that knowledge will lead them in the future. 

Okay here is one of my TOP PIECES of ADVICE I like to share with people... AND why.

My Tip

Look at your meal (food and drinks). Now chose the item you know to be most unhealthy for you. Now cut it in half (mental or physically) and only eat or drink half. You wouldn't believe the type of change this small decision can trigger. 

Why It Works

1) I'll start with the obvious (but probably least important), you're cutting calories. Since it's the most unhealthy item cutting this one in half will yield the biggest calorie deficit.

2) You're admitting to yourself that you're making an unhealthy choice by having this item on your plate. Over time cutting it in half won't be enough, you'll cut it even more and eventually stop ordering it to begin with. This may also be a yo-yo process but that's okay too. Some meals you'll split it in half, some meals you won't even order it, don't over think it.

3) You're practicing self control and telling your brain that your actions matter not just your instant gratification pleasure centers. You're now being more aware of future you and how that will be.  

4) You're building a habit. Habits often start with small nearly insignificant actions but turn into grand accomplishments later. Ask anyone who's successful at anything. From an outside perspective we may only see their before and after, but they'll tell you it was small actions done consistently overtime that led them to their success.

5) If it wasn't clear before you're also building a SMALL and SIMPLE habit. Grand gestures are great but rarely lead to long term results; especially when it comes to weight loss. Joining a gym, buying new workout clothes and hiring a trainer always seems like a good idea January 1st, but when February comes along, how good was that idea now?

Conclusion

I'm sure I could go on and on but the point I want to make is this. The tip I've shared with you may seem like a small action but the reality is it isn't. There's much more going on behind the scenes that you may not even realize at first. 

For instance saving yourself 20 calories per meal may not seem to make much of a difference but at 3 meals a day for a year that's 21,900. Imagine if you were able to save just a little more?

Weight loss and most every other success in your life isn't going to be accomplished by huge life altering actions... they're be created by small day-to-day actions completed consistently over time.