10 Simple Steps To Speed Up Weight Loss

Making simple changes that either cut out or burn off extra calories will add up to weight loss over the course of a year.

If you're struggling with weight loss or losing those last stubborn few pounds, then you already know it's the little things that add up! What about just a little bit more at meal time or the little bit too tight feeling of your clothes? But what if you also knew about a few extra steps you can focus on every day to help increase your weight loss success. Well here they are!

10 Simple Steps to Speed Up Weight Loss:

1. Switch up your snacks. Instead of grazing on the baked goodies or candy in the break room, have a plan for healthy snacks that combines a little bit of fat, protein, and crunch, such as apple slices smeared with peanut butter or low sugar yogurt with fiber one or Kashi puffs added to it. If you are counting calories, doing the math may help: a pound is the equivalent of 3,500 calories, so if you can cut 100 calories out of your day, you will lose a pound in just over a month.

2. Cut out high-calorie condiments and sugars. Instead of getting a coffee with sugar, try Splenda. They now make on the go packets with flavors like French vanilla. Likewise, try mustard on your burger or sandwich instead of mayonnaise, and order your salad dressing on the side so that you can control the amount you eat, or better yet try using low fat instead of the real thing!

3. Hoof it. Stop being lazy! People who manage at least 150 minutes of activity a week are more successful with weight loss. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park a bit farther from your destination so you have to walk. This will add extra exercise — and burn more calories. Stop wasting your time by driving around in a circle at the grocery store to get the best spot, walk and you will be burning calories and not gas!

4. Anticipate temptation. If you know you can't resist freshly baked brownies, don't keep a mix in your pantry. Also, if you are going somewhere with friends and family and know you'll have a hard time controlling yourself, make a decision before you get there about what you will eat — and stick to it.

5. Try the veggie-loaded plate method. Begin using your plate to guide your food selection and portion sizes. One half of the plate should be vegetables. The other side can be split between protein and starchy carbohydrates. If you decide to get a second plate, it had better be all vegetables. People who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day are more successful with weight loss.

6. Skip the fast food. A study of 1,713 adults who have been successful with weight loss demonstrated that people who eat at fast-food restaurants less than twice a week have greater success with their weight loss. If you do eat fast foods, don't supersize it, and try to opt for a salad, small portions, or get baked, not fried.

7. Limit the calories you drink. While most people understand sugary sodas add calories, there is a misconception when it comes to sweet tea and juices. Sweetened tea is no less calorie-dense than soda, and you'd be better off eating the fruit than drinking the juice.

8. Be accountable. Whether you have a diet buddy you check in with, a support group, or a food diary, keeping track of your daily food choices takes only a few minutes, but can double your weight-loss success.

9. Order smaller portions. Data suggests that people who order smaller portions or share a plate at restaurants are more successful with weight loss. Try ordering the lunch portion, an appetizer, or a children's meal — or put up to half your meal into a doggy bag before you begin eating.

10. Acknowledge your success. People who believe they can succeed with weight loss actually do lose weight more successfully. How do you gain this confidence? Take a moment to pat yourself on the back when you make healthy choices and achieve your short-term goals.

These small changes, all of which can easily be made, will quickly add up to more pounds lost over time.