The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many people, that means being tempted by tasty treats and overindulging in food and drinks. But if you want to stay on track with your weight loss goals, now is the time to start preparing.

Here are some simple steps you can take to shed those extra pounds before the holidays.

1. Set a Realistic Goal

The first step to losing weight is to set a realistic goal that you can achieve. It’s important to be honest with yourself about how much weight you want to lose and how long it will take to reach your goal.

Don’t try to lose too much weight too quickly, or you’ll risk burnout and giving up altogether.

2. Keep a Food Diary

A food diary is an essential tool for weight loss. It will help you keep track of what you’re eating and how many calories you’re consuming.

It will also make you more aware of your eating habits and help you identify areas where you can make healthier choices.

3. Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

These foods will help you feel fuller for longer and provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

4. Cut Back on Sugar

Sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to weight gain. Not only does it add unnecessary calories to your diet, but it can also cause insulin spikes that lead to cravings and overeating.

Try to cut back on sugary treats and opt for healthier alternatives like fruit or dark chocolate.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can help you feel fuller for longer and keep you hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and try to avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can add unnecessary calories to your diet.

6. Increase Your Activity Level

Increasing your activity level is an essential part of weight loss. Even small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk after dinner can add up over time.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for weight loss. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which increases your appetite and makes you more likely to overeat. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

8. Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping meals can actually lead to weight gain, as it can cause you to overeat later in the day. Instead, aim for three balanced meals per day, and include healthy snacks like nuts or fruit between meals.

9. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to your food and the sensations you experience while eating. This can help you identify when you’re full and prevent overeating.

Try to eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and avoid distractions like your phone or TV while eating.

10. Don’t Give Up

Weight loss is a journey, and it’s important to remember that setbacks are normal. Don’t give up if you slip up and indulge in a treat or miss a workout.

Instead, focus on making healthy choices most of the time, and don’t be too hard on yourself.