4 simple steps to create a successful weight loss regimen for beginners

Being a personal trainer, I constantly asked questions pertaining to weight loss.  The one constants questions is how do I get started.  While this process can be intimidating to most.  It doesn't have to be.  Here are 4 simple steps to create a weight loss regimen for beginners.
Step 1:  Get started

Many people want to have the perfect diet and exercise regimen automatically with time.  But unless you plan on hiring a personal trainer and a nutritionist it isn't optimal.  What I suggest is simply start doing physical things that you normally wouldn't do.  If you're used to sitting on the couch all day, then get up and up and start moving.  Foods that you know aren't good for you, cut back on them.
Step 2: Be realistic

Going back to step 1.  If you haven't been active in the past 10 years, then obviously you can't automatically jump into a strict and extremely intense exercise and diet regimen.  Trying to dive in head first is just setting yourself up for failure.  Most likely get discouraged and quit.  So we should take baby steps ant try to accomplish small goal after small goal.

Step 3: Consistency

One of the main reasons why people fail at weight loss is the lack of consistency.  Just like in any other endeavor if you're not consistent you will not be successful at it.  As a person who experienced in working out, my goal is to bring the same intensity to each and every workout. This isn't a realistic goal.  I tell my clients that if its a day when you're not anxious or motivated to come to the gym, just show up and go through the motions.  It's better than going home and lying on the couch.  I know it's  cliché but Rome wasn't built in a day.
Step 4:

The final step and in my opinion the most important is to expect to fail.  Just like with any addict, you will fail before you get it right.  The key is to acknowledge and then get right back on the horse.  Don't constantly beat yourself down because that's no productive.  The feeling that failure brings will motivate you not to let it happen again.  So you should not only welcome it, but embrace it.