- Improve diet first.
This first step involves its own baby steps! Unless you're one of the great few that can quit everything cold turkey, you must take it slowly. Cut out sodas. Then cut out high calorie desserts. Then start counting calories with an app like MyFitnessPal . Then shoot for higher protein. Try to cut out processed foods... always improve, but one step at a time! And don't forget to drink, drink, drink that water!
- Get moving.
If you're extremely overweight, any movement is good! Start slowly. Walk. Then when you're able to, walk a minute run a minute. Programs like Couch to 5K are great! Go outside with the kids. Swim laps in the pool. Anything!
- Weight training.
Once you have a decent diet going and a regular cardio routine, add in some weight training. If you ever want to look toned, you will need to have some muscle! Also, more muscle burns more calories. So pump that iron! Ideally you'd make it to a gym to lift hard and heavy... but if not, invest in some weights for your at home workouts!
-Make it routine.
Just like brushing your teeth, or taking a shower, make these new fitness habits a routine! NO excuses. Mark down in your calendar the days you will be at the gym, and the days you'll just go out for a run. If you want it, you're the only one that can get it! Make your health a priority and get to work!
*The biggest key to losing weight is making sure you are eating in a calorie deficit. So MAKE SURE to count your calories! You can find out how many calories you should eat here .
