Weight Loss Strategies that Work

As warmer weather approaches, many of us start fretting about the extra pounds we put on over the winter.

Losing weight—and keeping it off for good—is much easier with the proper physical and mental preparation. Follow these steps and get psyched for weigh loss:

1. Commit. The first step is making a commitment to yourself and then share that commitment with others. This will make you more accountable to your diet, exercise plan, and weight-loss goals.

2. Make a realistic plan. Think about your unique personality and preferences as you develop your diet and exercise regimen. For example, if jogging is drudgery to you, then don’t do it. Instead, choose group exercise, walking, biking, or some other form of physical activity that you enjoy. The same goes for your food choices. If you love pizza, allow it in your diet every now and then so you don’t feel deprived. You’ll be much more successful if you create a program that will be relatively easy for you to follow.

3. Get in the right mindset.  Don't fall into an "all-or-nothing" way of thinking. You don't exercise strenuously seven days a week or limit yourself to salads for every meal. It's about small changes in your lifestyle that you can stick with and that will bring results over time.

4. Make time for exercise. Fitness is a key component of losing and keeping off weight. Decide to make some type of physical activity part of you daily routine. You don’t need to spend three hours at the gym—walk the dog after dinner or take the stairs a few times throughout your workday.

5. Figure out what motivates you. Ask yourself questions to figure out what will help you meet your weight-loss goals. Do you need a workout buddy? A reward when you reach a certain goal? What types of activity don't feel like work to you? These answers will help you formulate a plan that will inspire you to stick to it.

6. Think life change, not diet. Preparing to lose weight isn't about starting a diet; it's about starting to make healthy adjustments that will become part of your lifestyle. Being "on a diet" implies that it will end. To maintain a healthy weight, the nutrition and exercise changes you make in your life should be permanent.

Remember that weight loss is a journey. Make sure you're in the right frame of mind by mentally preparing yourself for the road ahead.