You have made the decision to go on a weight loss program, but you’re worried. You’ve been down this road before with little success. To prevent that from happening again, here are a few quick tips to help you get on the road to a healthier, youthful you.

1. Consult with a Healthcare Provider

Before diving into a diet program, take the time to make an appointment with your doctor. A consultation will improve your chances of starting and staying on your program. It’s best to get on objective opinion of your future endeavor. Your doctor will tell you how much you need to lose and the healthiest way to go about it. In the beginning, it’s best to get the advice of a professional with no preconceived ideas or jealousy of your goals. Your healthcare, provider can create a specialized regime that you will be able to stick to. In addition, she can create smaller goals to keep you on your course to reach your final goal. In addition, your doctor can assign additional specialists if necessary (i.e., nutritionist).

If you don’t want to visit your doctor, consider weight loss consultants such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. Although costly, the offer programs you may find are more appealing to your lifestyle and personality.

2. Clearing Your House of Fattening Foods

Before looking for a diet buddy, it wouldn’t hurt to do this.

Starting to lose weight can be a challenge. It’s an even bigger one when you’re faced with ongoing temptation. You can’t get rid of all of it, but you can certainly reduce it to a minimum. You can start by clearing out the fattening foods in your home.

A good place to start is the refrigerator. Begin with the top shelf, removing any unhealthy foods from the refrigerator and throwing into the trash. Start with one shelf, then move to the others. Don’t forget the freezer, tossing away with the same method. To keep from wasting unopened, packaged food, simply pass it to a friend or food pantry.

Next is the kitchen cabinets. Clear these out in the same way as you did with the refrigerator. After finishing, it’s best not to put anything new in your kitchen until your first appointment with your doctor or weight consultant.

Not only will this clear your house of not-so-good foods, but it’ll also prepare you mentally to move forward in your weight loss venture.

3. Get a Weight Loss Buddy

Not only will the experience be more fun, but you’ll also have someone you’re accountable to who wants to see you succeed.

Having a friend who is losing weight can be a great source of support. Your friend can help you stay on track during times when you slip and eat what you shouldn’t. She can also give encouragement when you’re going to the gym on days you don’t want to

Make sure to choose a friend who sincerely wants to see you improve yourself. There’s nothing worse than a jealous person trying to sabotage everything positive you’re trying to accomplish.

When selecting a diet buddy, keep an open mind. Instead of a girlfriend, your husband may be the better choice. He may need to lose a few pounds as well. Who better to encourage you than your spouse? You can do the same for him.

4. Reward Yourself When You Reach Milestone

Reward yourself for each small goal without being counterproductive.

There are ways you can reward yourself other than running to the nearest Baskin Robbins for a double scoop. Consider a new lipstick or dress (in your new smaller size). To extend your incentive, create a list or rewards for yourself. As your reach each milestone, you’ll already have a reward to look forward to. Think about giving one to your diet buddy when she reaches her goals.

Always choose constructive rewards that give you incentive to continue with your program and move forward towards your goal.

What’s Next? Let’s Talk

Now that you have a few tips, you’ll be able to get yourself moving in the right direction for your diet. As you clean out all the junk foods in your home, your mind, too, will clear. Going to those you want to see you succeed is the best way to ensure staying on track during the trek ahead of you. The longer you stay on course, the easier it will get.

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