In life, some things are not obvious. This is certainly true in the field of weight loss, where there is a ton of misinformation swirling around out there. Sometimes it’s the facts that catch us by surprise that will provide us with the true ways to get skinny fast. Here is a sample of those secret tips to help you improve your weight loss and fitness routines:

1) Eat more often. Note that this doesn’t mean ‘eat as much as you want.’ Instead, you’ll want to provide your body with a constant supply of fuel in order to keep your metabolism roaring. If you don’t eat enough, your body will start to conserve calories, making it harder for you to lose weight.

2) A cheat day is not only preferable – it’s often necessary. Once in awhile, perhaps once every two or three weeks – you’ll want to have a day when you relax a bit on your diet. This doesn’t mean that you should go nuts and eat 10 pizzas. Instead, have a favorite meal, calories be damned for that one meal (within reason). This provides two benefits. First, you get a psychological and morale boost from eating your favorite food. But second, and more importantly, your body will restart a slowed metabolism due to the influx of a large amount of calories. Do a cheat meal if you find that your weight loss gains are plateauing or slowing down even if your diet and exercise protocols haven’t changed.

3) This is a life long program, not a three month quest. In order for weight loss to be permanent, you have to continue your eating habits for the rest of your life. Going back to what you used to do all the time will give you the results of that diet – you’ll quickly be out of shape and overweight. Commit to building new, positive habits.