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Weight loss. It's a struggle for thousands of people each and every day. Whether it's just shaving off those last few vanity pounds or taking the first step on a longer journey to better health, staying motivated to keep going when the scales don't tip in your favor can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. Staying motivated comes down to some basic goal setting and simple lifestyle changes.

Goal Setting

It's admirable to set a goal to loose 30 pounds in 3 months, but what if that doesn't happen? Too often this can be a devastating blow and can be the reason for throwing in the towel, despite any progress that they have made.

Weight is gained over long periods of time, and bad habits that became part of your day-to-day routine. The weight isn't going to come off faster than it went on, so set realistic expectations for weight loss by using your health as a measurement of progress and not your bathroom scale. You are not only retraining your body, but also, your mind.

Ten Percent

If a sign reading "10 Percent Off" is seen at a shoe store, it's enough to send patrons into a giddy frenzy. So why doesn't the same reaction apply when it comes to losing 10 percent off of your body weight?

The answer is because losing 10 percent of your body weight can seem like a small number to the average person on a quest to lose a lot more. For a person weighing in at 200 pounds, losing 10 percent means losing 2 pounds. In the overall scheme of things, you can see why this might not be the most exciting development for someone that is striving to lose a lot more.

The good news is that losing 10 percent of your body weight already lays the groundwork toward better health. Losing just 10 percent of your body weight will increase in your metabolism, improve circulation, improve energy levels and decreases chances for developing major health problems.

It Gets Better

Setting goals of losing 10 percent of your body weight each month isn't only attainable; it's easier than you think. Making some very simple changes in your lifestyle will help you melt away that unwanted weight. Here are 5 practical steps that you can use to meet your weight loss goals.

1. Step it up with a Pedometer
Easy to use and very cost effective (about $5.00) putting on a pedometer each day will help you monitor how many steps you take. Taking 10,000 steps at the end of the day means that after two weeks you'll see a marked difference in your weight and energy level. Not only this, but glancing down at a step count can keep you motivated and pushing to strive for more.

2. Tea for Two
Substituting two cups of green or black tea for caffeinated drinks means that you are trading in empty calories for healthy antioxidants. Green tea also has a natural appetite suppressant, which can curb cravings.

3. Eat more: The Snack Attack
Studies have shown that eating 5 small meals per day as opposed to 3 large ones will help you lose weight faster. Eating smaller meals keeps your metabolism constantly burning all day long, and you will find you don't feel as hungry during normal meal times, meaning you'll eat smaller portions.

4. Under the sea
Eating fish like salmon, tilapia or tuna twice per week will boost your energy and help you lose weight. These types of fish have healing properties for the body and energy increasing vitamins.

5. Got milk?
The calcium in 2 glasses of milk per day promotes lean muscle and can help you on the road to better health.

These 5 simple rules are proven to work, no matter your situation. Sticking to these guidelines you can expect to see a smaller waistline over the next month. After you lose that first 10 percent, it's easier to lose the next 10. Each step toward better health is a milestone toward progress. Good luck and great health!

Learn more about this author, Shauna Zamarripa.
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