Every January, it is not uncommon to hear people talk about the fact that their New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight. But while the number of people who diet every year varies, and it is difficult to get an actual count, the Boston Medical Center suggests that 45 million Americans begin a diet each year and spend a staggering $33 billion on weight loss products. Unfortunately, the majority of diets fail and the number of obese people in the United States continues to grow. So if you are thinking of trying to lose weight and get in better shape, you might want to use some great weight loss tips and avoid unhealthy weight loss tips like simply not eating.

Cut the White Foods

While carb-free diets are not necessarily the healthiest way to lose weight, there is some legitimacy to cutting carbs when it comes to weight loss. Ingredients like flour, sugar, and white rice can encourage weight gain, so should be avoided. However, whole grain breads and brown rice have been proven to be parts of healthy diets.

Exaggerate the Calories You Count

Most people underestimate the amount of calories that they eat per day, and try to workout based on that number. But by adding just 10% to the amount you think you are eating, like 1,100 instead of 1,000, you will be sure to burn off enough calories to meet your weight loss goals. This is one of the simplest weight loss tips for women and men, and could make a significant difference.

A Blue Diet?

Colors like red, yellow, and orange actually encourage eating, which might seem surprising, but makes sense when you think about the colors that your favorite fast food restaurants use. Conversely, blue is an appetite suppressant, so little things like serving dinner on blue plates or covering your table with a blue tablecloth can help you easily cut down food intake, which is a must for any successful diet.

Find a Buddy

It can be easier to push yourself if you do not try to reach your weight loss goals alone. While you will have to make sure that a partner does not feed you any unhealthy weight loss tips, they can help challenge and push yourself. And, a little competition or bet for some extra motivation is never a bad idea. So rather than isolating yourself while you try to lose weight, maybe get a coworker, classmate, or friend involved as well.

The reality is that, without a good overall diet and using easy workout plans, it can be almost impossible to lose weight, no matter how many tips you use. While avoiding unhealthy weight loss tips is certainly a must, useful ones will be mitigated by not eating right and working out. So diet and exercise programs must always be the first priority for dieting.