Nobody wants to get a pat on the back for their efforts, but instead they want to see that number on the scale steadily dropping. So just how can you get the best results from weight loss fast diets?

Certainly willpower comes into play when you are talking about getting results from your weight loss fast diets. If you have tried a few diets in the past, you know that once you cave in and allow yourself to deviate from your diet just one time, you open up the door to cheat on your diet another time and another. Eventually, you are only partially following your diet, and then you stop altogether. Those people who lose enviable amounts of weight in a fast amount of time are those who are truly sick and tired of being overweight, and they are ready to do whatever it takes to see results.

Beyond willpower, though, there are other things you can do to give yourself that extra edge you need to shed pounds fast. Weight loss fast diets should absolutely be accompanied by an increase in your activity level. While you can certainly take a walk around the block after dinner and burn off a few calories that otherwise would have been stuck to you like glue, you can really bump your activity level up by walking in the morning before work and at your lunch hour, too. Or burn even more calories by cycling or jogging!

Weight loss fast diets involve decreasing your caloric intake, or otherwise your absorption of those calories, and increasing how you burn those calories, which generally involves increasing your metabolism. In addition to strengthening your resolve to lose weight and getting more exercise each day, you can also see those pounds melt away by limiting your snacks and making healthier food choices, too. Something as simple as taking sodas or sugary beverages out of your diet can result in pounds of weight loss over the weeks. Take a look at your current diet, and hone in on things that you can cut out of your diet right away.

Before there were packaged goods, processed foods, GMOs and an ongoing debate between organic or not, there was dirt, seeds, water and roaming animals. It may be hard to consider now, but the dawn of man produced hunters and gatherers and humans had to get their own food – not by heading to the supermarket.

There were no sprays to kill insects, no chemicals or genes added or modified. No extra-large tomatoes or vibrant yellow bananas. Food was simple. It was either found, picked or hunted. And although there weren’t doctors or research scientists to confirm the benefits of such eating, it seems that when it comes to dietary habits, eating like our ancestors has some merit.

Diets come and diets go, but one in particular seems to have staying power and for good reasons as well. It’s based on eating similar to that of prehistoric man and it’s being touted as one of the best way to eat. It’s called the Paleo diet.

What is the Paleo diet?
The Paleo diet was created by Loren Cordain, a now-famous author, speaker and professor of health and exercise science at Colorado State University, who specializes in disease and diet. The Paleo diet itself reflects food items and methods of eating similar to our Stone Age ancestors – that’s right, this diet is framed around eating like cavemen. Through scientific research and peer-reviewed studies, Cordain has uncovered many health benefits to eating the Stone Age way.

There are seven premise on which the Paleo diet guidelines are based:

High protein
Low carbohydrates and low glycemic index
High fiber
Moderate to high fat intake – monosaturated and polysaturated fats with omega-3s and 6s

High potassium, low sodium
Net dietary alkaline balances dietary acid – some foods produce acid (meat) and others are alkaline (fruits and vegetables). Eating a balance of both alkaline and acid foods can have positive health effects.

High intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant phytochemicals.

The Ripple Effects of Weight Loss
Physical and Psychological Benefits
Losing weight is often seen primarily as a physical transformation, but its benefits extend far beyond the mirror. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shedding just 5-10% of your body weight can significantly improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that weight loss can lead to improved mobility and a decreased risk of mortality.

Enhanced Self-Confidence and Mental Health
Weight loss can also lead to substantial improvements in mental health. A systematic review in the International Journal of Obesity highlighted that individuals who lose weight experience notable boosts in self-esteem and reductions in symptoms of depression. This enhanced self-image can be a catalyst for setting and achieving even higher personal and professional goals.

Professional and Personal Development
Starting a Business
Losing weight and gaining confidence can be instrumental in entrepreneurial success. For instance, a survey by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor revealed that individuals with high confidence levels are 1.2 times more likely to start a business. This was mirrored in my personal experience, where my newfound confidence post-weight loss led me to establish a successful startup.

Increased Productivity
A study from the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) found that employees who eat healthy and exercise regularly have a 25% higher job performance. Additionally, their absenteeism rates are 27% lower compared to their peers who maintain unhealthy lifestyles.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Weight Loss
Setting and Achieving Broader Goals
Achieving a weight loss goal often empowers people to pursue other ambitions they might have considered unreachable. Whether it’s improving daily habits, like making a to-do list, or embarking on new ventures, the discipline and confidence gained from reaching one goal can set a positive domino effect in motion.

Examples of Achievable Goals
Daily Exercise: Committing to daily physical activity can improve both physical and mental health.
Writing a Book: Completing a personal project like writing can increase self-efficacy and open new professional avenues.
Helping Others: Using personal success to inspire and assist others not only enriches their lives but also adds meaning and purpose to your own.
The Unlimited Possibilities of Life
Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can redefine your self-image and expand your view of what’s possible. This mindset shift is crucial for personal growth and can lead to success in various aspects of life, including financial stability, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Conclusion: The Journey Begins with You
The journey of personal transformation begins with a single step. Set a realistic goal today, achieve it, and use the momentum to propel yourself toward even greater achievements. Remember, the life you change will ultimately be your own.