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Losing weight can seem like an unobtainable pipe dream. For most people this is not due to a lack of initial motivation. The farther we get from our first resolution to lose weight, the less motivated we often feel. There are ways to prevent this. If you want to learn how you can become one of those people that loses weight and keeps it off, read on for tips and ideas.

Before you do anything else, you should ask yourself why you want to lose weight, and then set your goals. Is there an occasion you want to drop the pounds for? Are you simply overweight and need to get into better shape? Is your goal to feel more refreshed and regain lost energy, or is your health the motivating factor? These are questions you will want to ask yourself.

Keep and ongoing record of your weight loss progress. Don't weigh yourself too often, though. If you weigh yourself multiple times a day, your anxiety levels will be high. Write down everything you eat and the number of calories each food item or drink contains. Make sure you also list any drinks and snacks. Recording things will help you be more conscious of your decisions.

Never allow yourself to become too hungry. This is a recipe for poor food choices. In order to avoid this problem, bring healthier foods with you when you leave the house. Packing your own lunch for work or school is preferred to ordering food from a restaurant or getting fast food. Packing your own meal gives you more control over the calories you consume, and will help you avoid the over-indulgence that occurs when you dine out. It is much cheaper than eating out so you will find that you aren't only losing weight, but you are helping your wallet!

In order to lose weight you should follow a healthy diet along with exercise. Find the workout that you enjoy doing the most, and do it at least 3 times a week. When it's hard to fit exercising into your schedule, incorporate a favorite activity into your workout. Go for a walk with your friends when you hang out. If you enjoy dance, why not enroll in one of the many dance classes available? Use a variety of trails and explore new terrain if you enjoy hiking.

If your kitchen is filled with junk food and unhealthy snacks, it can be hard to resist eating them. If your pantry is stocked well, with foods that are healthy and nourishing, you are well on your way to readjusting your eating habits in a positive manner. When you have healthy food around you will make better choices. Stock your pantry with lots of healthy alternatives to junk food, such as veggies, fruits, and healthy, low-fat snack foods. You must learn self control; stop buying the junk foods that you are addicted to. You may go through some junk food withdrawals but it is well worth it in the long run. Once you replace the junk food with healthier options, then you'll be more likely to make healthy food choices.

Support from family, friends or online can be a fantastic way to keep up with your weight loss goals. Look to your friends for encouragement, inspiration and moral support. Having friends cheer you on when you are ready to give up is a great benefit. Your friends can be great motivators when you feel like being a couch potato and not working site towards your goals. Surely, you would be willing to help them stay motivated, too!