Goals

Set a very specific goal.

Losing weight requires a change in thought and behavior,
so set goals for your emotions and weight.
Don't just set vague goals like, "I want to lose some weight."
Be specific:
How much weight do you want to lose?
How do you want to feel?
Close your eyes and visualize yourself after you've reached those goals.
Use this visualization to feel commitment and inner strength.

Get a plan.

Work out a detailed strategy because willpower doesn't work!
To lose weight and keep it off, you must have a strategy.
Plan ahead.

Identify small, measurable steps.

implement steps that will fit your lifestyle, not somebody else's.
Be sure to move toward a positive goal, not just not to be fat.
Every step you take will bring you closer to being who you want to be.

Create a healthy, realistic timeline.

Don't expect to see huge results overnight;
take the time to change your lifestyle,
and you'll change your weight.

Create meaningful monitoring and accountability.

If you commit yourself
to log in all of your food into a computer software program,
you’ll know you have to face your eating behavior,
and you'll be more likely to stick with your plan.