1. Keep a detailed list of what you eat each day, being very specific to estimate the portion size and approximate calories. You may find that by doing this you will amaze yourself at how much you are actually eating and be able to minimize your intake.
2. Depending on your physical condition, try to exercise at east thirty minutes each day. Even if you start out with a slow, leisurely walk around the block, at least you have started. Take your walk and build on it, walking a little further and a little faster each day. You will be amazed at how quickly you will start feeling better about yourself.
3. Focus on the positive, think about how good you will look and feel when you can purchase that special dress or other clothing item. Whatever is your reason for wanting to reduce, use that as your focal point for staying with your program.
4. Plan your meals in advance. This has proven to be a very effective technique in being able to stick to your plan and actually eat the foods you want to eat. To the extent you can plan your meals on a weekly basis, and have the food ready to go each day you will stand a much better chance of sticking to your eating plan and achieving your weight goals.
5. Drink water. The recommended amount to drink each day is eight glasses of eight ounces each. If this is too much for you, drink whatever you are comfortable with and whatever amount works for you.
6. Change your perspective. To the extent you are physically able, if you can walk up a flight of stairs instead of taking the elevator, then do it. Seize any opportunity to add a little exercise into your day.
7. Find a buddy. Sometimes things are easier if you can share them with someone else. If you can find someone in your area with a similar approach to losing weight and similar goals, it may help to keep each of you motivated and on track.
8. Join a weight loss group such as weight watchers. Sometimes having the reinforcement of a group and knowing you will see the members each week will help you stick to your plan.
9. Develop realistic, achievable goals and document your plan. Specifically, outline how much weight you believe you should be able to lose and by what date, and stick to it.
