If you want to lose the weight for good, then don't try to lose weight fast or deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Although there will be some discipline required on your part, the key here is to remain patient and sticking to your plans. Below are 5 simple weight loss tips to start with now -

1. Be realistic - let's face it, for most people you will not lose be able to lose 10 pounds a week. Although some people may, the likelihood of them stacking the weight back on is huge. Making drastic changes for drastic results are for short term gains. So if you want to steadily lose the weight and improve your health, take one small step at a time for bigger goals.

So what is a long term or realistic goal? Let's put it this way, it is a plan you can stick to and manage over a lifetime. You see, a lifetime of healthy eating habit combined with a regular workout routine is the cornerstone to good health.

2. Take a before photo of yourself and periodical photos of your transformation... but stick it somewhere visible at all times - this serves as a motivation for why you are doing this, and as well, will serve as a reminder on how far you have progressed since you stated this journey.

3. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, and drink less sugary drinks. The more sugar you consume, the more bad calories you take in. So that means drinking less sugary drinks and energy drinks, adding less sugar to your coffee and tea, and drinking less alcohol. Hence try to limit the amount of sugar you drink every week or every month, till you reach a stage where drinking water (or green tea) becomes the norm for you.

4. Plan your meals ahead - the key to staying on top of your eating habits is to plan ahead. When you pl;an your meals ahead and cook it in advance, you will have a better chance of not visiting a fast food joint or a restaurant. So set a day every week to think of what you should be eating, and what fresh ingredients you should be buying - and cook in bulk for say, 3 days worth of meals. Portion the cooked foods for every meal and store it in your freezer. Doing it this way will not only encourage you to eat healthier, you will save money and take in better calorie foods.

5. Exercise and get into strength training. You don't have to do it everyday - but aim to exercise at least 3 times a week.