However, as you continue making changes in your lifestyle, you may hit the occasional road block:

Perhaps the pounds aren't dropping fast enough...or you've had trouble fitting a regular exercise routine into your already hectic schedule...maybe you've had a hard time giving up some of your favorite foods or struggled with portion control techniques.

Don't Despair... Celebrate!

Instead getting discouraged, take a moment to congratulate yourself for starting your weight loss program, because in doing so you've already worked through the excuses.

And as you probably know by now, weight loss programs begin by shifting your beliefs and making behavioral changes.

Granted, it's a lot of work!

So, if you've begun your weight loss program and need a little motivation to stick with it, read on... Not Too Fast

Many dieters struggle because they want their results faster. The American Dietetic Association recommends dropping just 1 to 2 pounds each week, so real and lasting weight loss isn't something that happens in a matter of days, healthy weight loss takes time.

In fact, losing weight too rapidly can mean you're losing lean tissue or water, not the dreaded fat. This will actually slow down your metabolism, making your struggle with weight loss even more difficult.

"Seeing" Success

You've likely heard of "thinking yourself thin." Well there's validity to using visualization to reach your goals. Picture yourself six months from now, and think of how great you'll feel and look as a thinner version of you. If you have old pictures of yourself, taken when you were closer to your target weight, put them up where you can see them. Use them to remind yourself what you are working for.

Think of the habits you adopted that got you to your current weight, and begin eliminating them.

Focused Goals

Making a lot of changes at once can be overwhelming, so set small and realistic goals.

Your goals should fit easily into your lifestyle, like:

A) double your daily intake of fruits and vegetables B) walk thirty minutes at lunch time C) order the side salad instead of the French fries

As these new habits become part of your routine you'll see results and won't feel like you're giving your life and entire overhaul.

Partner Up

Finally, find support. You can recruit a friend, family member, or co-worker to exercise with, to dine with, to talk to. There are also a number of online weight loss support communities and forums that connect folks with similar issues and goals. Dieters who have support experience more success in making changes, and have an easier time staying motivated.

Celebrate the milestones, whether it's dropping 5 pounds, jogging a 10 minute mile, or fitting into your skinny jeans! Toot your own horn and enjoy the benefits of your weight loss plan.

Remember: What you set in motion, stays in motion.