The general belief is that there is a magic secret to losing weight, looking better, and feeling great. The myths that people believe are that you have to follow a complicated diet and you have to spend all your waking hours in the gym. The reality is quite simple, although most do not want to believe the truth. Most people do not want to search for the answers, but to hide behind a series of complicated excuses.

So what is the big fitness secret that is so incredibly simple? Eat better and go to the gym. Sorry, it really is that simple. Does eating better have to be a very complex process with all kinds of hard-to-find foods? By no means is increasing fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods a great way to start. Fruits and vegetables have been what humanity has been eating since the dawn of time; not a diet rich in fast food. It is also a very good idea to avoid things that are heavy on carbohydrates like pasta and bread. Lean meats are preferred and super sugary sauces are best avoided if possible.

What about going to the gym? Ideally, most people should aim to hit the gym three to four times a week, and maybe a day or so of cardio. Most of us leave a fairly sedentary life and spend too much time sitting. This is largely because we spend most of our working hours sitting down.

There are a multitude of gyms and it is best to find the right type of gym for your personality. Group fitness classes are gaining popularity right now and are a great alternative to some of the traditional “big box” gyms. Group fitness classes, like Crossfit, are a great way to meet new people and get a full body workout.

Although not usually associated with weight, sleep loss is a very important factor. It is better to sleep eight hours or more each night. We all have busy schedules, but our bodies need time to rest and recover, and sleep is a great way to do that. Do your best to try and get as close to eight hours of sleep, and cat naps are also very beneficial.

It is important to remember that big changes in the body do not happen overnight. No one goes from 50 pounds overweight to being fully toned with an amazing body in an instant. It takes time, but if you can stay disciplined and focused, you will see results. Remember that it is not a complicated process and there are three important factors to follow: eat healthy, go to the gym and get enough sleep.