I lost 75 pounds a few years back (I gained it all back because I ate a lot when my brother died, so that's why I'm getting back on track) and here's what's been vitally important for me: - Water is vital. It's always the first step for me because it keeps me fuller and satiates cravings. It's also really motivating because that first week when you start drinking water you lose a bunch of weight and you feel awesome about yourself. - Food diaries. Checks and balances are important, it's crazy how easily you can convince yourself something doesn't count or it's under your calorie intake if you don't have it written down. - Know your trigger foods. I can't in any circumstances eat sugar. It makes me want more sugar and it makes me eat other things that are bad for me, so I have to stay away from it completely. - Cheat days. I had one once a week where I had one item I'd considered a "splurge" like a cheeseburger or I'd have french fries or something. I look forward to that cheat day every week and considered it a reward for a job well done. - Don't look at a scale every day. At one point if I looked at a scale and wasn't losing a pound a day I'd eat maybe 500 calories every day until I dropped a few. It's better to look after a long period of time because it can damage your motivation. - Everything that's unhealthy can be made in an unhealthy way and get you your fix. EVERYTHING. I love tacos, LOVE. I started making taco bowls with brown rice instead of shells, added black beans and tomatoes for fiber, cooked chicken and spiced it my home to keep it low sodium, cut down on cheese and swapped sour cream for greek yogurt. I feel fuller, happier, and I can eat this often if I wanted to because it's not as unhealthy as the original. - When you start, have about five healthy meals that you love that you recycle often so you have no excuses not to maintain. THESE ARE JUST A FEW, I was pretty amazing with the food component of my weight loss journey, but crappy at the exercise. I got a fitbit for Christmas (per your recommendation, Alyssia!) and just bought myself an iPod to light a fire under my butt. Would love more fitness videos btw! Love you so much!

A lot of you have commented and said- I know I want to make healthier choices, but I don’t know where to start! So this video is here to offer some basic advice on how to get going with the lifestyle. Can you share a piece of advice that helped you get going when everything in the health world was new to you? We can all learn from each other here! #redefinehealth #mindovermunch

What helped me the most when getting started was "If you can't read it, don't eat it!" If I can't explain to a 5 year old (ex: my niece) what an ingredient is or where it came from I tossed it and didn't buy it again.

Can I just say how much I love this channel and the fact that you try so hard to encourage others instead of shaming them for any unhealthy choices. I've said it before and I'll say it again- you are an inspiration, Alyssia. Thank you for all that you do. I recommend this channel and your site to so many people and so far, not a single one has had a complaint. Great work!

Something that helped me start eating healthy was writing down everything I plan on eating in a day, and then at the end of the day writing down what I actually ate and comparing the two. It helps me beat cravings and realize how many unhealthy foods I was actually eating.

Excellent tips! Especially about goal-setting. Short-term attainable goals build confidence as each one is reached. So many folk make New Year's resolutions to do this or that and the goal is SO big the task seems monumental. Even if someone gets started, the effort wanes and the goal isn't reached. Another tip I was just thinking of is "Would I feed this to my three-year-old?" Or, "Would I suggest this food to my chronically ill spouse (person with cancer, et cetera." Often, people will apply guidelines for maintaining the health of someone else and then ignore those guidelines when taking care of the Self. As if it's okay to buy organic whole foods for our children but not spend the same money/effort on ourselves? That's like running a trashy, detrimental mental dialogue with Self, saying things we'd NEVER say to someone else. If it's good for our child or ill spouse, it's quite probably good for us. Consequently if we wouldn't give that crap to our little one, don't let's ourselves eat it.

Just some feedback: Don't really like the different angles, i would love if you would just stick with one!

Mentality is definitely key; everything starts with your mindset. I had already mentioned to you in another comment section video how a household I was staying in gradually and then overall went to a healthier lifestyle with occasional indulgences and was educated on the process while keeping it fun. It's sad since I left a lot of it is going backwards. I hope their mindsets change for the better soon.

And you don't have to go crazy and switch everything to whole, low fat or organic at once! Just keep doing small steps by educating and choosing BETTER choices. healthy life is easy and interesting but we the human made it the opposite...

Well. I’m trying to better for my children permanently. I just started a water diet 4 days ago and I am doing a total of 14 days. This video helped me put things in perspective. I want to eat food as fuel and learn to appreciate it rather that overindulge etc. love your channel by the way

This was so good. I think what resonated with me is the temporary/permanent change mentality. I waffle back and forth. It's almost like I can't convince myself that healthy eating is more enjoyable and I'm not missing out without the junk food. I don't know that makes sense.

I love this series! Thanks so much for the free PDF - I'm actually using it to clean out my pantry and get kickstarted on a healthy new year :)

Wow. Her videos are so inspiring it makes me want to cry. I'm close to 200 pounds and I feel really unheealthy. I want to change my lifestyle but I eat way too many processed foods. I need be honestly with myself and be more smart with what I put into my body.

Started yesterday. Had peanut butter on my half English muffin (instead of light margarine) and it held me until lunch. So I did it again today. Tomorrow shopping will include raw vegetables for snacking/lunches/dinner since I don't like cooked veggies. Hopefully the avocados look good too (love them). Got off this band wagon about the time Thanksgiving came around. Hoping the store still has dates as I LOVE them! Looking forward to all your tips. (Even though I have seen ALL of your past videos)

I really identify with your tip on Mentality! It wasn't until I WANTED to eat more healthfully that I actually started eating more healthfully BY CHOICE. It is a big accomplishment for me now that I can add broccoli florets to my pasta sauce and order tea instead of soda with no overwhelming sense of guilt for motivation!

I eat healthier than the majority of people around me, but I still need to make huge progress and you inspire me to go further. Thank you so much. ❤

I'm really excited about the weekly challenges! I started going to a boot camp back in August and have slowly been trying to eat clean and whole. The holidays kind of derailed me but I'm deferment Ned to get back at it. Your channel is so helpful and informative, and has great healthy swaps for junk food. Quality content with a great community. KZfaq needs more creators like you!

Yes Alyssia! GO GIRL! LET'S DO THIS! So excited for this series.

I just can't get enough of your videos! You are so honest and real! I talk about and share your site to all my friends and post your links on my FB account. I love how you explain that it isn't a diet but a healthy life style. I cant say that enough to people. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos as well as changing many lives in the process for the better :)

I hear this “set small goals“ a lot of times and I think it is completly right and I don't know how but I just stopped eating junk food, ice cream, sweets, chips, cake, cookies and so on from one day to another two years ago and still do not eat this (of course I treat myself while christmas or other events) and I'm totally fine with it

So far I love all the the videos I have watched from this channel. They are just so professionally done. Great job Alyssia!!

I totally find myself making excuses so thanks for these tips! Goal for the next week- whole foods and water. I love seeing your videos as soon as I get up, it motivates me for the day!!!

When just starting out if you can give up processed foods that would be a huge step in the right direction. Yay for this Kickstart series!!

This is amazing! It couldn't came in a best time for me!

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL AND I LOVE YOUR ENERGY!!! I LOVE YOU!

Thank you for posting this !!! So excited for the rest of the series

I'm so excited for this series!!

I love the idea of weekly challenges. So excited to participate! I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I really enjoy it.

Love your channel and how real you are with eating and exercise! ! I'm excited for 2016 to continue with my fitness journey

You're so 'real' I love it! Very excited to start the series with you ... thank you ☺

Gosh you really do geat work!! You're very personable and you're right it is a lifestyle not a diet. It's long-term. I hope that you get a lot of people to convert over to a cleaner if not completely clean way of eating! You really get the message out without sounding judgemental and you JUST supply the watchers with facts!! I love it! I hope that you know how great of a job you're doing and are proud of yourself! Bravo!! :)

Happy new years thank you for all your videos!

Follow 'good social media models' that reflect where you are at with your lifestyle or where you want to be. Cleaning up Twitter, Insta and KZfaq made it easier for me to stay on track. I found myself getting caught up in 'being right' & not 'taking action' last year.

My baby step has been this week to change from drinking several cups of coffee with cream this week to drinking less coffee and having it black and not sweetening my hot tea. So far so good

Thank you so much!! I had no idea where to start and this video is so helpful!!

Great video! So excited to kick off 2016 healthy and right!

Just stumbled upon your channel and now binge watching your vids! So glad! Lol 😆✨

great video, as always! I just made myself a vegetable and lean turkey meat pasta sauce. It's literally sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, celery, tomatoes, and blended kale, spinach and carrots with Italian seasoning. It tastes like an Italian pasta sauce but packs so many nutrients! I found that using a food processor on dark leafy greens is a great way to sneak them into soups and sauces that you wouldn't think would have them. And I serve it all over zucchini noodles I make with my awesome spiralizer I got as a Christmas present!

Great info and tips Alyssia. Thank you

You are exactly right, it has to be a decision to make it a life style of eating healthy!!!

So looking forward to the challenges!

You Should Make A Video About How To Begin At A Gym, What Exercise And Workout We Need,Beacause Sometime It Is Intimidating And We Do Not Know Where To Start.Furthermore Being Healthy Entails We Need To Be More Fit And Active :) Thanks For Posting :)

You guys deserve a million subs!

I have REALLY enjoyed your channel which I discovered this past year, and I really appreciate all the videos that you have given us. So my I humbly suggest, don't film yourself where you looking away from the camera. Look at the camera. That is your audience. If you think about it, would you like to have a conversation where the person or people you are talking with don't look at you?

I'm ready for these challenges!!

Thank you so much for this video!! It'll really help me get started on clean, healthy eating :D

thank you for such great help, I am making a lifestyle change with my eating and getting more active :)

As always, great video! Super motivating.

Great suggestions! Thumbs up also for meal prep! I have to say it really has changed my way of organizing my meals with good healty food :D

can't wait for the challenges!!

So excited!!

Great video! I'm excited for your 2016 content!

that shade of purple on your shirt is SO pretty! Do you have the HEX color for it? Can't wait for the challenge, I feel like this year is the first time I've been serious about transitioning to a healthier lifestyle (not just losing weight) and I'm so excited to be a part of this year's kickstarter!

I seen another youtuber to help with juice craving is to replace most of the juice with carbonated water .

thanks for the tips

Great video! Thank you!

Tomorrow (Jan 3rd) is my birthday and I am soo excited to get the new year started by stop making excuses as to why I cant do my excercises and eating better. I am going to Disney World in Orlando Fl. on the 7th with my man n when I come back ,Im going to begin where I left off just around Thanksgiving n Im determined to lose the extra 10 lbs I have been wanting to lose but couldnt for months. I want to then,get the ebook w/ recipes too. thx for being an inspiration to me n soo many people. What is yer name again?

thank you thank you thank you

great tips! I look forward to the challenges! thanks :)

Your channel is Awesome!

Great video I'm excited for this series...wondering what you/other people watch for health/nutrition channels on KZfaq

I love this channel. I would love if you could do one video on gronola bars make your own or store bought

Thanks so much for the info!! I subscribed!

I dont remember but I thought u had black hair over the summer last summer. I love your hair now. Also, I am saving yer videos. I really want that ebook too.

#2, yes,!!!!!! Thanks.

just what i need

I struggle with the lifestyle change due to time, i also get very tired very quickly and lose interest in eating well due to my fatigue any tips?

Btw if anyone is having a hard time I really recommend trying out the my fitness pal app! it has helped me so much. in total with that app and cooking more regularly I've lost 40 lbs

you are amazing girl!

Very helpful💕

One of my New Years Resolutions is actually to eat less chips 😂 Normally I eat really healthy, but when it comes to watching Netflix in the evening my body is craving for chips. I try to eat roasted chickpeas or almonds instead^^ Do you have any other ideas what to eat? I like the crispness of chips 😋 I'm proud I didn't eat any chips or fried food this year 😂 I actually try to eat fried food less than once a week ☺

yah...I know all about rolling with just a modicum of info. instead of really doing my own homework. I also know all about the whole chippy thing too! ;)

Liked. Shared.

Could you please mention about condiments? i've been following your tips on healthier lifestyle such as reading the lables and such, but i don't know about condiments like dark soy sauce, sesame oil, or even a simple tomato ketchup. Cuz when i eat my steamed veggies, i will need condiments to flavor them up :/

So helpful! Great video :)

Great!

I am starting this a bit late.. but better late than never... I have Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, GERDS, and a plethora of other ailments.... I have been vegetarian for about 9 years with some years vegan..of and on... My health is getting worse and I am up to about 50+ pills a day... I took a step back one day and looked at what I consume in a day... Wow! A lot of junk... the prednisone doesn't help ..but I have gained 100 lbs... I am so overwhelmed with nutritional information... I needed someone to hold my hand and walk me through examples and kinda give me permission to eat how I would like to... With all of my pain medication I can no longer feel what my body is telling me to eat... I want to get off of some of these medications and I feel I will be able to do this with proper nutrition... I am going to do your kickstart starting today... thank you so much for helping.

I saw books in the preview image and got excited that you were going to give us ideas of cookbooks to get. . . . I'm a book junkie, what can I say? :D

For a student, it's difficult for me to stay healthy because of the homework and the limited services offered in my city...

Could u do this all year!

Great video! But the music was making it hard for me to focus!

I just found your channel and I hope it is what I've been looking for to help me make better choices. You mentioned smoothies, and I wonder if the smoothie I drink every morning is ok in terms of calories/sugar for someone like me who does no workout -but it keeps me full all morning and concentrate at work so I'm not looking for snacks before lunch time. So here's what I put in it: 1and1/2 cup almond milk, 1/4cup oats, 3/4 banana, 5 strawberries, 1 tsp matcha tea, 2spoons ground flaxseed, sometimes I'll add 1 tsp chia seeds. Please help!

What is opinion on Quorn products? I am a vegetarian and a student and that is the easiest way to get my protein. Especially the mince. Is it still okay? Obviously not there pies and ready meals, just their mince and fake chicken.

About the excuses: When I first tried to live sugar-free for some time, I binged on maple syrup and honey 😅

I know "whole" foods, but how do you feel about protein powder? Is there any place in a healthy lifestyle?

what do you think about raw till 4 diet for weight loss?

I think you need a Food Network show.

I've been wanting to buy some of your ebooks but I've heard some not good things about the security of PayPal website. Anyone have any input on that?

Nope, this is my lifestyle now. Been eating more healthfully the past some years building toward this point. Oops, what am I doing on the 2nd? It's still the 1st. Okay just because there's a playlist doesn't mean I should keep clicking geez. I did just complete a 10-day challenge which ended up being 9 1/2 days but did rid myself of junk food. My junk food which wasn't at all junky. I gave up all the natural sugars, whatever amount of refined sugar is hidden in an ingredient list, chocolate, popcorn, Clif bars, Whatever bars, um, I forget the list. But I do see (again, the playlist is there) tomorrow will be another no-sugar challenge. So today I'd best get in a Siggi yogurt and a Clif hazelnut butter filled bar. Oh and a bark or two of dark chocolate and almonds. Oh wait! No, the challenge is the 3rd day so I have 2 days to enjoy those non-junky junk foods. Whoopdeedo! Have you found any flavored yogurts without sugar or sweetener? Best to just make my own isn't it. Of course it would be, hm. Will pick up some more berries this weekend.

Wendy's ad before this, bwahaha! EEEEEEvil Marketing!

A great film (and book - Michael Pollan is fantastic) for anyone looking for more inspiration: video.tpt.org/video/2365635287/ < It's a PBS film version of In Defense of Food.

Zooming in zooming out nooooooooo it's making me dizzy lol

There was a freaking Nando's ad right before the video started -_-

switching of camera angles not really my game...especially there's only 2 and the switches don't really have meaning...but great info.

*watches this while eating a big bar chocolate