Hey NAC Warrior! Losing weight in a healthy way can be a challenge, especially with all the conflicting information out there. When I first started my weight loss journey, I was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn. But over the years, I’ve learned a few key strategies that have helped me lose weight and keep it off. If I could go back in time, here are the pieces of advice I would give myself:

• Avoid quick weight loss programs.

It’s tempting to try crash diets or other extreme measures to lose weight fast, but these programs often lead to short-term results and can be unhealthy. Instead, focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that will help you lose weight and keep it off in the long run. I have an article called “How to Lose Weight Fast and Keep it Off” that goes into more detail on this topic.

• Practice portion control.

One of the biggest obstacles to healthy weight loss is eating too much. In the US, restaurant portions are often oversized, and it’s easy to overeat if you’re not paying attention. To help with portion control, Megan Ryan, a dietitian at Aware Fitness, suggests using your hands as a measurement tool. According to Precision Nutrition, this method is 95% accurate.

• Test things out and have rules.

With so much information available, it can be hard to know what will work and what won’t when it comes to losing weight. Instead of trying to be right all the time, approach weight loss like a scientist and test things out. If you want to “cheat” on the weekends, for example, go ahead and try it, but make sure you have some rules in place to help you understand whether it’s working for you or not. I personally use a 5 lbs rule: if I try something new, I’ll keep doing it until I either get bored or gain or lose 5 lbs. This gives me the freedom to experiment, while also allowing for normal fluctuations.

• Remember that nutrition is more important than exercise.

While exercise is important for overall health, it’s not the most important factor in weight loss. In fact, most of your weight loss will come from controlling your diet, rather than from exercise. When I first started working out, I would kill myself with intense workouts, but I didn’t see the results I was hoping for. Instead, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day and focus on getting your nutrition in check.

• Don’t rush.

Losing weight is a journey, and it’s important to give yourself time to make progress. Don’t try to rush the process or you may end up feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Enjoy the learning experience and remember that as long as you’re following the strategies outlined above, you’re on the path to success.

I hope these tips help you lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Good luck on your journey!