You must have goals for losing weight -- and keeping it off

Do you have certain goals for losing weight? How about a pound per week? A few pounds per month? For one -- you need to stay sensible when setting goals for weight loss or the angst of discouragement and the tribulations of disappointment may discourage you from dieting (as in, "I'm just not strong enough to do it").

First, mentally committing to a goal is the way to get things going. Writing your commitment to yourself where you can see it every day (and be reminded of it) is a good place to start.

Secondly, what are your goals for weight loss? Do some research about your situation and ask questions to those you know who have lost weight successfully before -- and kept it off. What did they do? What "realistic" goals were set?

Thirdly, measure...measure...measure. You'll never know how you are going unless you measure your progress at regular intervals and stick to your commitment no matter who hard it is and how slow the process seems to be. Only you can affect change. You can do it.