Losing weight doesn’t happen at the click of your fingers, it takes hard work and little steps every day. You need to make the right choices and be motivated enough to reach your targets, as well as do what you need to in order to maintain your weight loss.

So what can you do every day in order to lose? We’ve got some tips that could help you achieve your goals, read on to see what you can do.

Keep track of your food

Sticking to a healthy diet is a key factor when it comes to losing weight so it is a good idea to keep track of what you’re eating. While a meal plan is helpful, it doesn’t include any snacks or slip-ups you might have experienced so you should track what you eat and drink in a notebook.

This will allow you to see if a certain day contained more fatty foods than others or if there is a time of day that you tend to snack at. Writing everything down will allow you to see any patterns in your eating behaviour so you can do something to counter unhealthy habits.

Don’t skip meals

You should ensure that you have three meals a day to ensure you stay full and don’t snack on unhealthy foods. It is good to get into a routine so you know when you’re having your next meal and can avoid filling the time with sugary or fatty treats.

Regular meals also help to boost fat burning as your body doesn’t hang onto energy – which becomes fat – as it knows it will get regular food.

Carry a bottle of water

A lot of the time, when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually thirsty. This means that you can avoid reaching for snacks between meals by simply staying hydrated.

Not only will this help you avoid feeling hungry and thirsty, it will also help your body to flush out toxins and reduce bloating, which can make you feel larger than you actually are. If you don’t like drinking plain water, try adding a splash of pure lemon juice or a few slices of cucumber for some healthy flavour.

Stay active

While you shouldn’t head to the gym every day – you need to have rest days – you should try and stay as active as you can. This means avoiding sitting down at work all day and then just relaxing in front of the TV.

Make sure you get up regularly and walk around throughout the day to get the blood flowing. When you get home, try exercising while you’re watching TV to make the most of your free time and ensure a good night’s sleep. You can do step-ups, jumping jacks or crunches while still enjoying your favourite shows.

Pack your own snacks

While you shouldn’t snack on sugary or fatty foods throughout the day, you can still have some extra treats. To avoid reaching for unhealthy options when you’re out and about, pack your own snacks to take with you.

Nuts, fruit and vegetable sticks are great options that will leave you feeling full and satisfied while giving you a healthy boost of energy.

Get a full night’s sleep

One important part of losing weight is getting a good night’s sleep. Your body heals itself as you sleep, which actually burns calories. If you’re well-rested, you’re also more likely to make good food choices the next day.

Make sure you get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep a night and not only will you feel ready to face the day, you’ll find it easier to lose weight.