You've decided to take charge of your health, and are now on your own weight loss journey. Congratulations! It isn't easy to take that step, and sometimes it's even harder to stay on the path. Here are eight easy to follow tips to help you along the way.

Staying hydrated can really help you lose weight. It can curb hunger, aid in digestion, and keep your body running at optimal levels. Which, whether you are cutting calories consumed, burning more with exercise, or a little bit of both, is super important. your body needs roughly 120ounces of fluid a day. Don't be alarmed, some of that can come from foods, too. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water every day, preferably by sipping it as you go about your usual routine. Carrying a refillable water bottle can encourage you to keep drinking, and soon it will become a healthy habit. 

Intermittent fasting has been linked to some very positive health outcomes like improved memory and weight loss. Some people embrace a prolonged period of fasting each day, usually at night when they are sleeping. Others prefer to reduce calories over five or six days each week and then have one or two unrestricted days. 

Finding support can be crucial to success with losing weight and keeping it off. Look for programs like Le-Vel Thrive that provide encouragement and a supportive community of others with similar goals. 

Caffeine can boost your weight loss goals. It can give you more energy, which can motivate you to get up off the couch and get moving. But, that's not all it does. Caffeine can also give your metabolism a little bump, helping it burn a few extra calories along the way.

It's alright to indulge a little sometimes. Especially if the thing that entices you is chocolate. A piece of dark chocolate can have surprising benefits for your health and giving yourself a treat is a great reward for the hard work you are doing. 

No, you probably shouldn't have fries with that if you are trying to lose weight, but adding an extra vegetable side in place of a roll or high-fat dessert option can be a quick and easy way to get more vitamins, nutrients, and fiber while helping you fill up on low-calorie food. 

Filling up the pantry and refrigerator with healthy options can help you cut back on unintentional snacking on high-fat foods like chips. So, spend an afternoon and clean house. Get rid of all the things you know you shouldn't have around: chips, cookies, candy, muffins, and sugary cereals. Then go ahead and refill the space with healthier alternatives like nuts, dried and fresh fruit, and whole-grain cereals. Add a few bottles of those water enhancing drops to encourage you to drink more of that, too. Sometimes a drink of water is what your body really wants when you keep searching for just the right snack. 

Take ownership of your journey instead of letting it run your entire life. If you want to have a treat one day, weigh your options and the pros and cons of each. It may be worth indulging if it gives you an opportunity to see how far you've come or to celebrate. Don't become a victim to your weight loss either. Instead of saying "I can't have that cookie", own the decision not to eat it with an "I'm not going to eat that because it isn't the best choice for me right now". 

Finding the healthiest version of you is a big step. And you should be proud that you are working toward that goal. Find support and try these tips to help you stay the course on your journey to health.