Weight Loss Success

To successfully lose weight takes some serious lifestyle changes and complete commitment to your goals. A move to healthy food choices and an active lifestyle is key, a move that isn't easy. However, by creating an action plan, tracking milestones, and keeping on track, you will acheive your weight loss goals.

Ten Steps to Success

1. Define your goal. Decide how much weight you are going to lose and over what time period. Remember to be realistic, dropping 10 lbs in one week is not going to happen and is by no means healthy.
2. Create an Action Plan, specify how you're going to obtain your weight loss goal. Include your meal plans and fitness activities.
3. Brainstorm a special reward to treat yourself once you attain your goal. Plan a special weekend away or a fabulous spa package - add this to your Action Plan.
4. Keep a journal of your progress. Write down your successes and even your set backs. Write down how you feel. Re-reading your journal will help you realize how far you've progressed and will be a source of personal inspiration.
5. Every three to four days weigh-in, setup a graph of your progress and track your milestones - add this to your Journal.
6. Treat yourself when you've obtained a milestone. Buy a new pair of jeans, or that new CD you've been wanting. This will encourage you to keep to your plan. Do not reward yourself with food, this will only make your diet harder.
7. Review your goal. Did you not reach your last milestone? Review your plan and analyze what could be preventing you from progressing further. Are you cheating on your diet? Are you slacking off at the gym? Make a plan to get back on track and adjust your milestone's accordingly.
8. Change your meal plans and fitness activities to keep your diet varied and excercise routine interesting. Flip through fitness magazines or talk with friends and co-workers for new ideas. Many people fail because they fall into a monotonous routine and unvaried diet.
9. Review your diet and and fitness routine. Is there another goal you want to achieve? Having a new objective – running a marathon or obtaining that toned bikini look will help you keep those pounds off.
10. Congratulations! You've acheived your goal. Reward yourself with that very special treat.

October 21, 2004