Getting Started on Losing Weight Long Term

Before you get started on a weight loss program, consider the following tips. They should help you reach your goal of obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.

Set the Right Goals - Setting effective goals is an important first step. The most productive areas to focus on are the dietary and exercise changes that will lead to long-term weight control. (2 or 3 goals at a time).

Reward Success (not with food) - Rewards that you can control can be used to encourage you to attain your weight control goals, especially those that have been difficult for you to reach.

Balance Your (Food) Checkbook - This means that you should monitor your eating behavior by observing and recording your behaviors per day, such as calories, fruits & vegetables and exercise.

Avoid a Chain Reaction - Identify those social and environmental cues that tend to encourage undesired eating, and then work to change those cues.

Get the (Fullness) Message - Changing the way you go about eating can make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived. It takes 15 or more minutes for your brain to get the message you've been fed.