10 weight loss hacks you can use in your 20s for lifetime results

The only constant in life is change. Whether you're coming to terms with puberty, trying to figure out which jacket will look good on you, or getting your heart broken, there is always something new to learn and grow from.

You have the entire rest of your life ahead of you, but how will you use your time to your best advantage?

If you don't know where to start, follow these 10 health hacks that are bound to help you on your weight loss journey.

1. Prep for the week with a smoothie.

Try to think of smoothie recipes as the fun side of your diet. You get the nutrients you need in one bite, while adding in as much fruit and vegetables as possible. Look for recipes that are high in protein and fiber, as these foods help you feel fuller longer.

Just be sure you remember to replace the sugar with plain natural juice.

Try out smoothie recipes that include low-fat plain Greek yogurt, nuts, and berries.

Plus, you can usually add an extra scoop of protein powder to this smoothie recipe.

Recipe: Berry Kale

2. Make yourself a salad.

Make it one of the nights each week when you have dinner with your partner or a friend. Choose a combination of raw veggies and fruits that you're not likely to have during the day, and try to incorporate lean protein sources like tofu and beans.

With so many different combinations, you can keep your meals interesting.

Recipe: Heirloom Spinach Salad

3. Stock your fridge with right food choices.

Keep a section of the fridge for the right foods. This means foods that are low in both sugar and fat. By having them in the fridge, you know that they're there, and there is no temptation to overeat.

Put those vegetables that are crunchy on the bottom in the crisper, the foods that are soft in the middle in the fridge. You can also use this as a guide when you go shopping for food.

Try the Atkins Diet Plan

4. Make dessert a meal.

Make yourself an impressive meal by topping a low-calorie fruit with Greek yogurt, nuts, and high-fiber cereal. Your body will be satisfied on the way to the next meal.

Try topping banana slices with low-fat Greek yogurt and raisins.

Recipe: Low-Calorie Apple Crisp

5. Follow the 20-20-20 rule.

One of the best things about planning is that you're not just thinking about one meal at a time. Instead, you're looking ahead and asking yourself what you're going to have for lunch and dinner, and then making the plan for each day.

Each time you make a meal that's high in fat and protein, you can also make yourself a protein shake.

Recipe: Green Smoothie

6. Take an active break between meals.

Find a quiet place to sit, preferably outdoors in the shade, and do 20 minutes of light walking or a light jog. This is especially good for those who have jobs or do a lot of physical activity on the job.

The more you break up your large meals, the less likely you'll be to overeat.

Recipe: 20-20-20

7. Pick one healthy snack to eat at every meal.

A good snack is often the secret to successful weight loss. Choose one that's high in fiber and protein, but low in both sugars and fats.

Try topping a ripe avocado with low-fat plain Greek yogurt and sliced almonds.

Recipe: Avocado, Berries, and Almonds

8. Make brown rice the bulk of your diet.

Don't skimp on the brown rice. For each cup of cooked rice, add two cups of water and stir. The result is an even, fluffy rice that can be incorporated into a lot of different meals.

Recipe: Brown Rice

9. Cook a large portion of your meat.

For most meals, cut up a pound of meat and cook it in a large skillet. The purpose of this is to give you a large serving of protein, but also to keep portions down.

Bulk cooking saves calories, because cooking can be done in advance.

Recipe: Garlic Beef

10. Try a Mediterranean diet.

Some people are motivated to lose weight by the health benefits of a low-fat diet. But, many people fail because they don't stick with the plan long enough.

Instead of going on a low-fat diet, choose to follow a Mediterranean-style diet. It's similar to the popular Weight Watchers plan, and it includes a lot of good-for-you foods such as olive oil, fish, beans, and vegetables.

Try the Mediterranean Diet.