If weight loss is on your mind then you probably want results -- and fast. It's no wonder! We are bombarded every single day with unrealistic body images and messages that tell us that we aren’t good enough if we aren’t the "perfect" size or shape. The culture of our social conversations and the ideals in the media are the same: "thin is best."

This pressure to be thin can leave us yearning to drop pounds quickly, but this may not be what's best for our minds or our bodies. Truthfully, studies continue to show that lose-weight-quick diets don't work and often backfire, resulting in weight creeping back on until we weigh more than when we started!

1. Remember “slow and steady” wins the race
A healthy loss of 1-2 pounds a week will help you reach your goal without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. One pound is equivalent to about 3500 calories, so if you lose even one pound a week, it means you were able to burn more calories than you've consumed. This is a great success, but remember the scale doesn't always tell the whole story. Try taking body measurements and aim for fat loss or muscle gain rather than just numbers on the scale.

2. Enlist the help of special friends
While support from your friends and family is helpful, the friends you really need are FIBER and WATER!! These two can be your best friends throughout your weight loss journey. It’s hard to drink too much water! Staying hydrated throughout the day will not only help your body shed unwanted pounds, but it will help you with a sense of being "full." If you get bored, try flavoring it with Wai drink mixes (You'll get the added benefit of probiotics too). And don't forget about fiber! Fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans are loaded with fiber that will help you stay full. You'll probably recall that your body doesn't digest fiber, so it plays a wonderful role of helping with the "housecleaning!"

3. Identify the Inhibitors
Insufficient sleep, added stress or lack of exercise can all be roadblocks to your weight loss success. Evaluate your lifestyle to see if you are getting enough sleep and managing your stress each day. These can both throw your body out of balance quickly if they are not where they need to be. Staying active is also key in losing weight. Even if it's just 90 minutes a week, exercise is an important key in to weight loss as well as preventing diseases.

4. Take a peek at your gut
Most people trying to lose weight don’t take into consideration the role their gut plays in the process. If the bacteria in your gut is off, this can have a huge impact on your body's ability to absorb critical nutrients. You could be exercising and eating right but missing out on the benefits if your gut is full of bad bacteria. The easiest way to remedy this is with a good quality probiotic.

5. Write it down
There is something very effective about keeping a food journal. Whether it's the mindfulness that it creates, or simply being accountable to yourself, studies show there's power in tracking what you eat. There are some great apps like Fitness Pal that can make it quite effortless to keep a diary right in your pocket.

Looking for more guidance on ways to lose weight effectively? Download the FREE Silver Fern™ Brand Elevated Plan!

For those looking to lose weight in a balanced way, the process can be a positive and enjoyable experience - especially when you focus on overall wellness rather than the number on the scale. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey.

Silver Fern™ Brand's Elevated Probiotic Weight Loss Plan is a revolutionary approach to weight loss. It makes any diet easier to follow, and helps you keep it off once you've lost it.

Charity Lighten, B.S., M.S.
Silver Fern™ Brand Chief Nutritionist

P.S. If you would like to know more about the Silver Fern Brand, Elevated Probiotic Weight Loss Plan, and how the right gut bacteria is the key to healthy and sustainable weight loss, be sure to watch the recorded webinar below with Microbiologist Kiran Kirshnan.