You’re a well-educated person, and you know what you want out of life. And what you want right now is to lose weight. But, what is the most effective way to do it? If you’re like most people, knowing how to lose weight, and keep it off, has got you stumped. The information in this article will address those challenges that your’re facing.

To stay on track with your weight loss efforts, don’t let occasional slip-ups deter you from your goals. Recognize the fact that you will sometimes give in to temptation and have that high-calorie, sugar-filled dessert at a restaurant or party. This may happen from time to time, but it is essential that you don’t allow these indulgences to occur more often, or you may just end up putting the weight back on.

Even when dieting, you can still enjoy ribs! Make a simple non-fat marinade by combining 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 1/3 cup molasses, 1/3 cup dijon mustard, 2 tbsp each of tomato paste and soy sauce, and 3 tsp of hot chili seasoning. This makes enough marinade for up to 3 pounds of pork ribs – plenty for the whole family! Remember to eat in moderation, pairing a couple of ribs with a tasty salad.

Avoid temptation at work. If possible, stay away from break rooms where other people may have left their high-calorie leftovers. Keep your desk stocked with healthy snacks, and pack a lunch each day rather than going out to eat. If you have a lunch appointment, eat an extra side of vegetables or a salad rather than high fat options.

Deal with cravings. Cravings are strong urges to eat your favorite food, and they are very hard to overcome. Pay close attention to what it is that triggers these cravings, as they are usually emotion-based. Try to find a way to distract yourself until the craving is over, and always ask yourself if you are truly hungry. More often than not, you will find the answer is ‘no’.

Occasionally it is perfectly ok to give in to a craving. Every now and then, reward your hard work by indulging in one of your favorite foods. But always remember to use portion control. Instead of reverting to your old habit of eating an entire bowl of ice cream or a huge slice of cake, just eat a small amount, savoring every bite.

Keep records. keep records. If you keep track of exactly what you eat, how much exercise you get, and weight loss per week, you will be able to figure out what is working and what isn’t. Many people think they are eating a lot fewer calories than they actually are and by keeping a record, you can better control your food intake.

As you can see, the steps to achieve your weight loss goals are simple, effective, and very easy to implement. No matter what your daily schedule or lifestyle, you will be able to find a weight loss strategy that is right for you and your life. So what are you waiting for?