As you lose weight, there are always barriers that can pop up and make it difficult to stay focused and true to your program. You can combat these barriers and 'blast' them away with proper preparation and known strategies. The most common come straight from your own belief system and attitudes. Your success will depend upon your ability to identify these attitude barriers when they pop up and immediately act on them!

1) 'I'm tired, and stressed!!'

It's hard to be strong and focused if you are worn out, so take good care of yourself and get plenty of rest and sleep. Plan to go to bed at least 30 minutes earlier. It has been shown that weight loss is faster for those who get adequate sleep.

2) 'I am afraid of being deprived!'

Deprivation seems to feel rigid and it the reason most people fail when on a diet. 'Diets don't work'. What you need to do is think of all the things in your daily life that you are actually being deprived of because you prefer the benefits from them.You must work therefore you deprive yourself from choosing what you will do everyday. You are deprived from possibly purchasing that dream car or house because you don't want to go into debt. You follow traffic laws because you don't want to pay a fine.

So, when you change the attitude of why you are on the 5 and 1, and what wonderful things the Take Shape program is going to bring to your good health, lower cholesterol, looking good, the ability to fit in that bathing suit, having more energy, excelling in sports. Whatever the trade off is, it is definitely worth it!

3) 'I don't need any help!'

Oh, yes you do!!! It has been shown that support is a very important component of weight loss success. Please take advantage of your health advisor's wisdom and support. You should call them on weigh day and let them know of your progress. Call for any reason. They are here to help you! Explain to your family and friends that it is very important for you to stick to this program and you want their encouragement and help. Find a friend to 'Take Shape' with you!

4) 'I need to be perfect!'

While you will optimize your weight loss if you follow the 'Quick Start' book exactly, we all know that life's little surprises do happen and you may have to veer off your program. If this happens, do not beat yourself up. It is OK. No human is perfect so don't place your expectations too high. Just do your very best and always end your day with a Medifast product, and get right back on!

5) 'I can't have that!'

Instead of feeling a sense of loss, change your attitude to one of power and control! When someone offers you something that is not on your program simply say 'I know how that tastes, but today I choose not to have it' Remember all you will be satisfying is you tongue. The consequences of going off your program for a quick 'fix' are definitely not worth it.

6) 'I hate to exercise!'

Exercise doesn't have to be painful or boring. There are all kinds of forms of exercise, swimming, yard work, walking, aerobics, pilates, weight training, running. Find something that you enjoy to do and 'mix it up' when boredom strikes.

Attitude is everything!!! So pump up your attitude and get positive and focused and strong!!

Great suggestions to improve your attitude:

Support calls

Start a daily journal

Talk to your Health Advisor often

Read self improvement books

Exercise! Get those endorphins moving!!