Losing weight is one of the hardest tasks any of us willingly undertake. As evidenced by the nation’s obesity rate most of us are unsuccessful. A recent local online article gave tips that they claim would lead to permanent weight loss. According to the article you should start your weight loss plan with set goals that are measured daily, weekly, and monthly. According to the article this alerts your brain that it will take willpower and a good memory to be successful. Although it sounds a bit strange, the article claims that if you concentrate as you chew, when you slowdown and chew the food thoroughly, it helps to eat less and thus lose weight. According to the article those who chewed their food each bite 40 times actually ate 12% less than those who chewed only 15 times. This also produces less ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone. Psychologically putting your fork down between bites also helps. Green tea is also very helpful. It has been called diet drug in a mug because it EGCG compounds help to reduce the absorption of fat and increase the amount of fat in the body eliminates. You should try to drink 3 to 5 cups daily. Have a “safe to eat list” to go to in social situations where there may be drinking or fatty foods to tempt you. Keep your goals in mind but don’t obsess if you slip. One nutritionist advised to eat three bites of what you’re craving and then throw it away. Dr. Kim advises patients who are concerned with weight loss to also consider their appearance as they lose weight. While body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty or liposuction and are not weight loss procedures they can help to improve a patient’s self-confidence thus allowing for more success in meeting their weight loss goals.