People know about the essential components for weight loss diet and exercise. Some people have tried a range of diets and put in grueling hours of exercise. Sometimes, they work and sometimes, they do not. What might you be missing? Here are some secrets that you may not know about

1. Find your motivation. The best way to start is to find out why you want to lose the excess weight. Keep your motivation in mind. The path might become difficult and your motivation will help you stay on track.

2. Keep a food journal. List down everything you eat within the day and look over it before going to sleep. You might be surprised at what you consume throughout the day. A piece of cookie or a nibble of cake may seem small to you but these add on extra calories that you might not have even considered.

3. Constantly move around. Exercise, of course, is the best option. Do exercises that you enjoy. Reward yourself if you have completed the day’s exercise routine to make you feel good and wipe away the exhaustion. If exercise is not an option, find other ways of moving about. You can climb stairs or walk to work, clean the house or cook some food. Something as small such as tapping your foot or drumming your fingers on the table burns more calories than just staying still.

4. Don’t be tempted by junk foods lying around. Keep or throw away food that will ruin your diet. If they are within your sight, you will most likely be tempted to eat them. Instead, make sure that only healthy low fat foods are on display at your house. If these are the only foods that are available, you won’t have a choice but to reach for it.

5. Eat slowly and only at the dinner table. Concentrate on the food and not your TV or computer. If you have distractions, chances are, you’re going to overeat. Eating slowly while savoring each bite also makes you full faster.

6. Stop gobbling down food when you are full. We heard the stories about  starving children but this doesn’t concern you. Eat until you are full and then keep the remaining food as leftovers.

7. Consume lots of fiber. High fiber foods help you feel full longer, thus, letting you eat less. It also helps regulate your bowel movement.

8. Do not starve yourself. This will slow your metabolism because it is the body’s way of preserving itself. Bring healthy snacks with you such as almonds, blueberries, and yogurt.

9. Begin your meal with a soup. You will tend to eat less afterwards.

10. Last but not least, drink around 8 glasses of water each day. Choose water instead of calorie-laden drinks. This will make you feel full and helps you digest the food you have consumed.