4 Self-Help Tips to Get Lean

Are saddlebags, love handles and spare tires inching their way into your body? Do you spend minutes looking at the mirror wishing you had the perfectly fit body of Angelina Julie or Brad Pitt? Do most physical activities you have previously enjoyed, morphed into pure torture? Does your diet mostly consist of salt, sweets and fats?

If you answered yes to one of the questions stated above, then you certainly have plenty of reasons to get lean the healthier way Keep in mind that losing weight is not for aesthetic reasons only.

If you are convinced that your well-being relations on your determination, then apply these tested and tested "get lean" guidelines to help you out. Not only will you lose those ugly bulges, you will also be launching a stronger, sexier and more self-assured you in the coming months. Still wondering how to do it? Here are the secrets:

1. Set SMART goals. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, result-oriented and time-bound in order to be highly effective. For example, if you want to shed off excess pounds, say how much weight you want to lose in a week or a month. It should be realistic. Health experts advocate losing no more than one pound a week to maintain the body's equilibrium. If you want to have a 24-inch waistline, express in concrete terms how it should be done as well as the target date.

2. Prepare a timetable and / or diary This will reflect your progress. Daily, weekly and monthly activities in order to get lean will be included. This means household chores and outdoor exercises should be listed as well as improvement in food preferences from unhealthy to healthy ones.

3. Commit with a partner . He or she will serve as a support system in your long and oftentimes arduous journey to fitness. Choose someone who can wholeheartedly support you even through the toughest times. It's really a great boost to the ego to have someone to talk to when you feel like giving up. Verbalize your innermost feelings when you feel an intense urge to quit.

4. Chant the "Yes, I can" mantra Dispel those negative thoughts and replace them with positive pep talks. The moment you wake up in the morning, fill your mind with upbeat reminders to lift your energy through the day.

Now you know how to get lean the healthier way. Best of luck.