You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again, figuring out how to lose weight is downright difficult. In fact, it’s completely common to do some trial and error before finally seeing results. But where do you even start? To help you kick off your slim-down plan, we rounded up a little motivation and a whole lot of expert info. With these 50 resources, you’ll learn from the mistakes and triumphs of others, plus separate the scientifically proven diet and exercise advice from the OK-to-skip tips.
Jumpstart your journey with an inspiring success story from someone just like you, or dive head first into revamping your diet or workout routine. Wherever you begin, a healthier you awaits.
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50 Resources on How to Lose Weight
Weight Loss Success Stories
The ultimate inspiration: Men and women just like you who’ve lost weight by making a few simple (but game-changing) lifestyle tweaks. For many, it took a wake-up call — like a scary doctor’s visit or a trip down the aisle — to finally make a real change. But it doesn’t have to come to that. Take a cue from these Daily Burn members, who found a plan that worked for them, building on each little victory along the way. (Feel free to steal their best diet and exercise tips, too!)
9 Weight Loss Success Stories You’re Going to Want to See
The Workout App That Turned My Life Around
Why I Gave Up Running and Started Doing Daily Burn
This Mom Lost Weight But Her Non-Scale Victories Are Even Better
How This Agoraphobe Found Fitness Without the Gym
My Wedding Photos Were My Weight Loss Wake Up Call
Expert Weight Loss Tips
With countless ads, infomercials and Instagram stars that promise fast results, it’s tough to separate fact from fiction when it comes to weight loss. That’s why we’ve gone straight to the doctors, dietitians and trainers to pin down what really tips the scale in the slimmed-down direction. Learn about everything from calorie counting to yo-yo dieting, so you can feel confident in your skin.
Is Weight Loss Really as Easy as Calories In, Calories Out?
Guilty of Speed Dieting? 4 Smarter Tips for Weight Loss
5 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting
The Truth About How to Lose Belly Fat
Real Talk: How Often Should You Weigh Yourself?
The 10 Biggest Diet Mistakes, According to Experts
What Really Happens When You Yo-Yo Diet
The Weight Loss Secret 90 Percent of People Are Missing
Small Changes, Big Results: Habits That’ll Help You Lose Weight
The Big Benefits of Losing Just a Little Bit of Weight
Diet Strategies to Drop Pounds, the Right Way
Many experts say weight loss starts in the kitchen, but navigating grocery aisles — and nutrition info — can get tricky. It’s no brainer that protein- and fiber-rich foods are best for losing weight, but sometimes, prepared foods can sneak in hidden sources of sugar, trans fat and sodium. To help you plan better meals, we turned to top nutritionists and for their shopping advice and dove into myth-busting research on the latest diet fads. Here’s to more healthy meals and nutrient-packed ingredients making their way to your fridge and pantry.
Gym Time or Meal Time: What Matters Most for Weight Loss?
6 Reasons Why You Can’t Out-Exercise a Bad Diet
The Beginner’s Guide to Clean Eating
7 Ways to Stop Unhealthy Food Cravings
10 Foolproof Ways to Cut Calories When Eating Out
When is it OK to Cheat? The Pros and Cons of Cheat Days
Is a Vegan Diet the Best Way to Lose Weight?
Does Intermittent Fasting Really Work?
Carb Cycling for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
Will Apple Cider Vinegar Really Make You Lose Weight?
Can Wine Before Bed Really Result in Weight Loss?
Exercise Tips to Get You Moving
Of course, moving more is also essential to any weight loss plan. Exercising will not only help boost your metabolism so you lose weight faster, but it will also bump up your energy levels and even help with sleep. If you’ve never been to the gym or are coming off a long fitness hiatus, never fear. We have moves, plans and beginner-friendly tips for launching a regular workout routine. Plus, you’ll find out what to eat pre- and post-workout to maximize results.
The Total Newbie’s Guide to Working Out (and Losing Weight)
How to Get Over Your Fear of the Gym, For Good
True Beginner: A New Exercise Program, No Intimidation
Strength Training for Beginners: Your Guide to Reps, Sets, Weight
5 Weight Training Strategies to Maximize Your Gains
EPOC: The Secret to Faster Fat Loss?
5 Smarter Ways to Train your Heart and Lose Weight
3 Quick HIIT Workouts for Beginners
Should You Eat Before a Workout?
Your Guide to Post-Workout Snacks
Does Fasted Cardio Really Burn More Fat?
Getting Over the Plateau
If the first five pounds flew off, but now you’re stuck in a weight loss rut, know you’re not alone. Every man and woman has a different metabolism and no two people can lose weight at the same rate. It’s totally common for people to quickly shed those initial pounds, only to realize it gets harder as you go. A few key strategies will help you get over this hump faster, though. Follow this advice for jumping right over a plateau.
Help! Why Did I Suddenly Stop Losing Weight?
I’m Exercising More — So Why Am I Gaining Weight?
Weight Fluctuation: What’s Normal and What’s Not
7 Weight Loss Tips When the Scale Won’t Budge
Why Regaining Weight Is So Common and How to Deal
7 Strategies for Breaking Through a Strength Plateau
How to Maintain Weight Loss
Take it from those who found success in dropping pounds: You’ll make many mistakes along the way. And that’s OK. Staying healthy and fit takes commitment (and re-commitment whenever life gets in the way). Some of the false starts and roadblocks you read below might sound familiar — but in the end, they often help pave a clearer path to life-long health. Find out what lessons other readers have learned, so you can potentially sidestep their errors. Have a friend who recently lost weight? You’ll also learn what to say for encouragement.
12 Things Nobody Told Me About Losing Weight
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Daily Burn 365
5 Biggest Myths about Your Metabolism
The One Thing That Helped Me Lose Weight
Why Strength Training Is a Dieter’s Best Friend
The 9 Best Things to Say to Someone Who Has Lost Weight
Want more motivation to lose weight? Join Daily Burn 365 for a new workout every day, plus a community of users to cheer you on.
Originally published January 2017. Updated January 2018.