It can be really hard to offer someone weight loss tips. So many tips are only suited to a certain type of weight loss plan or a particular diet. It can be really helpful to seek specific weight loss advice from those who are familiar with the exact plan you're following. However, there are a few weight loss tips that can serve you well on almost any plan, too.

1. Don't eat too little

Some people figure that the less they eat, the faster they'll lose weight. So, they cut their calorie intake really, really low, even if their weight loss plan does not explicitly require this. However, this approach usually ends up backfiring. Eating too little leaves you hungry, and eventually, you give in and binge on too much food. Also, eating too little can slow down your metabolism, which will thwart your weight loss in the long term. A good guideline is to never eat less than 1,200 calories a day. And in many cases, you'll need to eat a bit more than this in order to make sure you meet your nutrient needs and don't harm your metabolism — even when losing weight. 

2. Reach out for help when you start to struggle

People who have support throughout their weight loss journey tend to be more successful in losing weight. Unfortunately, a lot of people become embarrassed when they start to struggle on a weight loss plan, and this embarrassment keeps them from reaching out for help and support. Don't fall into this trap. As soon as you start struggling with your weight loss plan, tell someone, whether that someone is a coach, a fellow participant, or a trusted friend. Simply having someone listen to your complaints and encourage you can give you the mental strength to keep pushing forward on your weight loss journey.

3. Stick to the plan

Regardless of what weight loss plan you're following, make sure you stick to the plan. It can be tempting to try to work in other advice and tips you find, but if these tips are suited to a different type of diet than the one you're following, they could actually do more harm than good. For example, you would not want to follow the advice to start every day with a bowl of oatmeal if your weight loss plan centers around a low-carb diet.

Losing weight is not easy, but the tips above can help. Contact a medical professional to learn more about weight loss programs.

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