When it comes to weight loss, it is easy to be carried away by products that promise to help you lose 2st in 2 weeks – but that is not realistic.

The best approach to losing weight is a slow & steady lifestyle change through diet & fitness.

But, there are some tips & tricks that can help you out along the way.  Recently Reddit asked the community “What helped you lose weight”.

Here are 7 of the best & most helpful answers:

1. Choose water every time

“Do NOT drink your calories. Want a glass of orange juice? Choose water. Want a fizzy? Choose water.”

2. Meal prep

“Meal Prepping. You’d be surprised how much control you give yourself over your calories when you plan ahead. It saves a lot of time & money too.”

High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are all the rage right now & for good reason. Protein is a vital component of every cell in the body. Hair & nails are as a rule made of protein & your body uses protein to build & repair tissues.

3. Use a calorie counter

“I used a calorie counter app, my fitness pal. It helped me work out which foods & servings to have for my macros. I also exercised a lot. Even if it was walking on the treadmill for half an hour, I kept active.”

4. Patience is key

“Patience. Losing weight (especially a major amount of weight) takes a considerable amount of time. I lost 60lbs, but it took upwards of sixteen months of constant work. It was a shade under a pound a week.”

5. Simple, but effective

“Use a smaller plate.”

6. Go the extra mile (literally)

“Walking. It is so underrated. Anyone can do it, can be done anywhere & it's free.”

7. The tip that sums it all up

“Move your body. Eat better. Do NOT drink your calories. Cut out everything but water. Start tracking food/calories consumed. Work out. Do anything. Walk more. Interested in anything at all athletic? Try dancing.”