Yesterday I laid out the first and most important step I took to get moving along the path to losing a respectable amount of weight. I'll tell you right now that while I had decided on that very first day that I was going to lose weight, I've had to decide each and every day (at every single opportunity to slide back into old habits) since. But even though the act of deciding has been a repetitious exercise over the last 331 days, it is still the most important first step I had to take.

I could short-list the entire weight loss process into a three-step loop:

1. Decide
2. Take immediate positive action
3. Repeat

I mean, it really is that simple (not easy, simple) but since I've committed myself to revealing 50 tips over the next 50 or so days, I'm compelled to define #2 into several tips and methods that ensure the inevitability of success. So after that mouthful, here is my #49 tip:

#49 - Talk To Your Doctor

This is very important for so many reasons. First, your doctor can lay out a ton of reasons (all based on real medical experience) as to why you should lose weight. He/she can also help you make intelligent decisions as to how to go about it. They've seen what works, what doesn't, what's created health problems, foods to avoid based on your personal medical history, and more. If he/she doesn't, get another doctor.

Doctor: "Steve, you're fat and you need to lose some weight."
Steve: "Really? I'd like to get a second opinion."
Doctor: "OK. You're ugly too."
Steve: "Thanks, I'll get right on that."

These first two steps are the foundation of sound and lasting weight loss. A person could, after 1-Deciding and 2-Talking to their Doctor, take the results of those two activities and launch themselves down the path towards a lighter and healthier life without any further input from yours truly, rock-on, go forth and prosper, but there are so many other things that can help tackle the trials along the way- and may even speed up the process.

More on that next time.

As for what I've been up to; I've been working my plan- hitting the gym and eating the way I should. I'm confident I'll hit my goal by the time the candles are lit on my cake.