From Goal-Setting to Expert Help: How to Remain Healthy During your Weight Loss Journey

**Collaborative Post**

If you’re starting a weight loss journey, it can feel daunting and new; you’re likely experiencing a mix of feelings, and that is totally normal. You’ll likely be feeling determined, yet perhaps also overwhelmed by the challenges and all the new lingo, recipes, and adaptations you might need to make ahead. There’s a lot of advice online, and much of it is conflicting, so it can be easy to lose sight of what will really support your long-term health. 

From nutrition guidance through to ideas on how to move, here are some practical, sustainable steps that you can take to protect both your physical and mental wellbeing, so you can build good weight loss habits that last rather than chasing the latest quick fix and losing the same few pounds over and over again. 

Set Safe, Sustainable Weight Loss Goals 

Are you trying to lose 10 lbs in the next month? Aside from being extremely unhealthy, setting unrealistic goals and then frantically trying to meet them can be counterproductive. Instead, aim for gradual change; the NHS recommends 1-2 lbs per week since you’ll be able to maintain this more easily over the long term. It can be tempting to start crash diets or set extreme goals for a wedding or other upcoming event, but you risk triggering low energy, restrict-and-binge cycles, and increased stress, the latter of which can actually hinder weight loss by affecting hormones and sleep. Plus, let's face it, these extreme diets are not sustainable, and you are likely to gain the same weight back you lost when you cannot keep up with such extreme measures. 

Eat Food that Boosts your Health and Energy 

Eating properly during weight loss is a must. Balanced meals with lean protein, wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, and healthy fats will keep your energy steady and reduce cravings. You will need protein to maintain muscle mass, fibre to support digestion, and the full range of vitamins and minerals to prevent the fatigue that often leads to abandoning even modest weight loss goals. Focus on creating a holistic lifestyle change rather than temporary dieting. Try cooking more meals at home, which may even save money in the process, or reduce ultra-processed foods gradually rather than cutting everything overnight. If you are counting calories, try to use your calories on filling wholesome foods rather than low-calorie foods that have no value. They may be lower in calories but they likely won't fill you up and only end up in you craving more food.

Stay Active to Protect Your Strength and Well-being 

Being active is a crucial part of managing your weight, but far beyond the scales, it will also boost your mood, reduce everyday stress, support heart health, and help preserve muscle mass. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week; this can include things such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. It doesn't mean you have to be pumping iron in the gym or attending all the classes, walking counts!. Add in some strength training to maintain muscle and get your metabolism going. You don’t need a gym; it is entirely possible to keep fit in your own home. Short home workouts using resistance bands can be extremely effective. Finally, stay flexible with stretching or yoga to reduce aches and make movement feel easier over time. 

Seek out Medical Support, Mental Health Help, and Expert Guidance 

Don’t hesitate to get extra support in your weight loss journey. GPs, dietitians, and NHS weight-management programmes can give you structured guidance, accountability, and personalised advice. In certain cases, you can be prescribed medication to help with weight loss. For example, weight loss injections can be offered under medical supervision and alongside lifestyle changes, helping eligible patients manage their appetite and create healthier routines. And don’t forget the role that mental health can play in long-term weight loss success; speak to a counsellor or wellbeing practitioner to help you address emotional eating, stress, and confidence barriers. 

Start your Weight Loss Journey the Right Way 

A healthy weight loss journey is all about sustainable habits, steady progress, and setting realistic goals that also support your overall health. Remember this is a journey, its a life adaptation, not a quick fix or something you can stop after a few weeks. Make changes that you can make for good, not just because you are on a diet. Just follow these tips and nourish your body, stay active, and seek the right support when needed so you can build a routine that strengthens your wellbeing in every sense of the word.