Experts suggest only losing two pounds a week for best results. At this rate, the dieter can lose eight pounds in a month. If you have more than forty pounds to lose – realize that you’ll be dieting for more than five months. That’s a long-term plan, not a short sprint through the park. But this has its benefits: a longer diet gives you time to get used to eating healthy and smaller portions. You have a good chance of keeping the weight off by losing it slowly and healthily.

 

Find a diet buddy that is positive and supportive. Your diet buddy may or may not have a lot to lose as you do – what is most critical is that you feel supported and happy being around them. You want your diet buddy to lift your spirits and cheer you on. There are times being on a diet is very hard and challenging. Having a diet buddy can encourage you when you feel you simply can’t go another step. That diet buddy can push you just a little further and this will make all the difference. You can do the same for your diet buddy to support their goals and that will make you feel great too.

 

Try setting short term weight loss goals if looking at the “big picture” seems too much for the moment. If looking at losing 100 pounds is too hard to think about, think about losing the first 10 or 20. Focus on a goal that seems achievable and break it down into steps you can take each day to reach it. As you get there, you’ll realize just how good it feels to lose that 10 or 20 pounds and it will make reaching for the next 10 or 20 pounds even easier.

 

Create a reward system for your weight loss. Give yourself a special treat for every week you stick to your diet or for every five pounds lost. Come up with an arrangement that motivates you the most. Many dieters have also found it very successful to create a reward system for their exercise. Try giving yourself $1 every time you exercise – and after you’ve lost 10 pounds you can spend the money!