Maybe you have a big wedding or promotion coming up. Maybe you just want to fit into those old jeans that have been collecting dust in the back of your closet for years.

Whatever your reasons for hopping on the scale, you should know that weight loss doesn’t have to be the crazy, complicated thing that the media makes it out to be. In fact, it can be quite simple to slim down when you know what you’re doing!

If you’re wondering how to lose weight fast, here are some quick and simple tips that can help.

1. Chew Your Food 

It might sound a little odd, but one of the easiest ways to lose weight is to chew your food with more deliberation. Not only will it prevent you from stuffing your face in a frenzy, but it will also reduce the amount of air that you swallow with your meal. You won’t have to deal with an uncomfortably bloated stomach when you’re done, which will make you both look and feel better.

2. Target Your Problem Areas 

Certain exercises are better for you than others, especially if you’re trying to lose weight in a specific part of your body. For example, if you’re trying to get rid of stubborn belly fat, abdominal exercises are going to be more beneficial than leg workouts. If you’re trying to trim your waist, crunches will help more than calf stretches. Be smart and specific about the effort that you use when you hit the gym.

3. Eat Smaller Meals 

It’s actually a myth that eating more frequently will boost your metabolism. However, experts agree that small, periodic meals are a great way to regulate your blood sugar and decrease cravings throughout the day. If you’re able to eat smaller portions 4-6 times instead of bigger portions 2-3 times, you can really help yourself lose weight. If you have a condition like diabetes, it can help with managing that as well.

4. Drink More Water 

You don’t have to be crawling on the ground with a dried-out tongue to be suffering from the effects of dehydration. It’s often a subtle thing with minor symptoms that you don’t even realize are bothering you. You might feel more irritable than usual; you might have headaches or muscle aches that make you want to skip the gym. By drinking more water, you’ll eliminate these annoyances and feel more prepared to meet your weight loss goals.

5. Increase Your Potassium Levels 

When contemplating how to lose weight fast, one of the most important things to think about is your diet. What’s your average caloric intake? Are you getting your recommended daily values of calcium, fiber, and iron? Pay particular attention to your potassium levels. If you aren’t getting enough of this natural, fat-burning compound, you’re missing out on a prime weight loss opportunity!

6. Clean Out Your Pantry 

Get rid of your chips and sodas. You can’t binge on something that isn’t there! This is especially important if you have a problem with vegging out on the couch or snacking late at night when you can’t sleep; without the easy temptation of junk food, you’ll be more likely to whip up something healthy or just ignore your cravings until it’s the proper time to eat.

7. Consider Different Types of Motivation 

Some people like “tough love” motivation that doesn’t allow them to slack off. Others prefer a gentler kind of motivation that will keep them going even after binges and bad days. What works for another person might not work for you, so feel free to experiment with different types of inspirational messages and guides. This is a big part of how to lose weight fast: Finding what works for you.

how to lose weight fast

8. Let Yourself Cheat 

Having the occasional “cheat day” can be good for your diet, especially if you cheat with foods that are sneakily good for you. For example, certain types of carbs can encourage the production of fat-burning and appetite-regulating hormones, so you can indulge in that plate of pasta with the knowledge that you’re actually helping your body. Just don’t overdo it!

9. Reach Out to Others 

There are a million success stories out there. What are their secrets? How did they do it? What advice can they offer to other people who are struggling to slim down? Learn how to lose weight fast by following in the footsteps of those who came before you, especially if they’re fitness or wellness specialists with expert opinions.

These are just a few tips for how to lose weight fast. At the end of the day, what you see in the mirror is much less important than how you feel inside, so don’t stress too much over the numbers on your scale. Try to focus on self-confidence for true self-improvement!