The Right Way to Permanent Weight Loss

On the last Three Voices program, the Voices and I spoke about how to get started with exercise and where people go wrong (i.e. starting a program too quick, drastic changes, extreme dieting, short-term mentality, etc.).

Want to do it right? You don't need to give up your life, change your mindset overnight, buy a ton of diet books or hire a personal trainer.

Try what Jamil Macias did: 300-Plus Pound Student Exercised in Secret

1. He decided to make a change, then worked out what he wanted to accomplish. While he'd been an athlete as a young boy, his weight gain left him lonely and embarrassed. He didn't want to be the "teddy bear" anymore; he wanted to be a healthy teenager.

2. He went to the doctor for an assessment. So important. It is worth the co-pay to know where your starting point should be. For example, if you have high blood pressure and start a weight-training regimen without advice from your doctor, you could be risking serious complications (lifting weights, especially heavy weights, temporarily increases blood pressure).

3. Jamil took on the charge no matter what. Since he didn't want scrutiny from others, he worked out at night and in his garage, away from prying eyes. Instead of focusing on the negative, Jamil made positive goals rather than becoming bogged down by negative thoughts.

4. Failure was not an option; progression was. After breaking the family's elliptical machine, Jamil walked. When he felt comfortable, he began running.

5. He asked for support from his family. His mother and family helped him with his goal of eliminating processed foods and making healthier choices.

6. While Jamil kept track of his weight loss, he didn't obsess over it. "I didn't have a set amount of how much I wanted to lose -- I just wanted to keep going until I felt good about myself," he said.

7. He researched on his own, but didn't follow a specific diet. Some people need more protein to fuel their bodies; others need a larger ratio of carbohydrates to feel good. Jamil used common sense and made healthy food choices rather than depend on a strict diet to plan meals.

8. Health is a way of life, not just a diet plan or fitness regimen. Just as one doesn't get fat overnight, good health is a learned habit that can be just as hard to break! The positive feelings and motivation make it all worthwhile for Jamil, who states, "I wanted to be more engaged in life, and I knew that (losing weight) would help me do it."