The recipe for my weight loss success

I frequently get asked for the "one thing" that allowed me to lose the 5 stone (70lbs/32kg) and keep it off. My answer is simple. There wasn't 'one' thing, but several different factors. I'll try to keep this post short, but no promises..

Step 1
Take responsibility & identify the problem. Sounds obvious, but most people steam ahead into trying to improve things with really knowing what they are trying to improve, and most importantly, why it's important to them.

Step 2
Identify current habits. Being overweight is a chronic condition, meaning it's a state that persists for an extended period of time. Eating too much on Christmas day and noticing that you weigh more on December 26th than you did on the 24th doesn't make you overweight. That's acute weight gain, you gain rapidly, and you lose it rapidly so long as that kind of eating isn't your average day. You're looking to identify your habits around food, activity, stress and sleep. Are you having a little or a lot?

Step 3
Start where you are, use what you've got, and do what you can. You're looking for small improvements in each. This can be as simple as a couple of forkfuls less, an extra 50 steps, 10 deep breaths exhaling with a sigh or going to bed 10 minutes earlier. If and when you can do better, do better.

Step 4 (optional but likely)
Screw up, fail or fall off the wagon. Congratulations, you're human. We all make mistakes, it's an essential part of the learning process. The trick is to identify why you failed, and plan a way to deal with that kind of situation for when it happens again so you can do better. Notice I say "plan" rather than aim or hope.

Step 5
Stay positive, and congratulate yourself on your success so far, even when you're not making progress as quickly as you'd like. Remember even if you're only shedding a half pound per week that's 26lbs in a year.

So my recipe for success?
Take a little self knowledge and add a handful of ambition; Add water. Reduce plate size and eliminate deep fried everything; Raise the temperature by exerting yourself more than normal at least 3 times per week, mixing activities to avoid boredom. Maintain a positive mental attitude; Reduce waistline and enjoy.

If you'd like to know exactly what I did to get rid of excess fat and drop 4 sizes, leave a comment.