Do you feel that your fat loss fitness program is too impossible to follow? Are the calorie-counting and food preparation too complicated and the food list too difficult to follow? Are the exercise routines just too challenging for your vulnerable joints and faint heart (figuratively and physically-speaking after being such a couch potato for so long)?

If you answer in the vigorous affirmative to these questions then chances are you're already on the verge of abandoning your fitness regimen. Don't do that just yet. Here are some practical weight loss tips that will make your desired weight achievable without too much of the hassle.

First, go grocery shopping with a prepared list. Take stock of the food you need in order for you to stick to your fat loss goals and stick to it. Make sure your list has all the healthy food options -- fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Don't buy anything that is not needed. Avoid the highly-processed food items like pastries, ice cream, chips, soda and processed fruit juice. Don't include them in your list either. Shop with methodical efficiency-- that is-- get only what you need, pay for your purchases then get out.

Next, eat frequently. This might seem ironic but practical weight loss means eating more often to weigh less. Having something to chew on every couple of your waking hours will not only keep your metabolism running, it will also keep you full. However, do make sure that you only snack on the healthy eats-- fruits, nuts or whole grain granola bars. Pack your lunch from home and make sure that you always have frozen fruit pieces or nuts for snacks. When you follow the first tip, preparing for healthy foods easily follows.

Third, get moving. Research has shown that three ten-minute sessions of moderate-intensity physical activity works towards getting you fit and healthy. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, park a considerable distance so you can walk the rest of the way. Take a walk in the nearest park during lunch hour. You can even do exercises while at your desk! If you find that scheduling a "real" workout session is not practical, just incorporate more physical activity in your life.

Fourth, do use food as it was intended-- to nourish your body. Many use it as a source of comfort to cope with challenges. If you have a problem, face it head-on and look for solutions-- don't bite your troubles into the nearest donut. That will not only put more pounds into your waistline, it won't make your problem go away.

Finally, do set only goals that are realistic and achievable. The reason why so many think that losing weight is difficult is that they aspire for difficult, often impossible, goals to achieve. For example, the maximum weight that you can lose in a week's time without compromising your health is only a couple of pounds. In a month, you can only expect to lose eight pounds. If you aim for a weight loss of twenty pounds in a month, you know you're overshooting your marks and setting yourself up for torture. Practical weight loss views losing weight as a long term commitment, so you don't have to rush.