by Carisa Silvesan

Created on: May 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The best way to lose weight is to take things a step at a time. You're more likely to see results, reach your goals and be happier doing it. Here's 20 simple tips to losing weight and keeping it off for good!

1. Drive

Drive is a motivating factor in your life. It could be living longer, having more energy, buying that dress you've always wanted, feeling healthy, being able to do more. Find something you want, or want to get rid of, in your life that will be a motivating factor for you!

2. Plan

This is a battle! You MUST succeed. Your plan should include three elements: 1. How to lose the weight; 2. Who you trust to support you; 3. How you need to change yourself!

3. Support

Having support is important to succeed. Support can come in different forms. The idea is to find anyone or anything to help you reach your goals!

4. Goals

Your goals need to be realistic! They need to reflect where you see yourself in 6 months, 2 years, etc. They have to do with how much weight you want to lose in a given amount of time. Before you write these goals out, look at your plan of attack and then look at your schedule.

5. See a Doctor

Before beginning it is important to see a doctor. A doctor is going to check your vitals and look at your family history to be sure that you can lose weight safely. Bring the plan, goals and one support person with you to the appointment. Have some questions ready. You may find there are needs your body has that demand a change in your plans or goals. If this happens - DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Be ready to face that challenge no matter what!

6. Slip Ups are OK!

Before you begin, know that you are only human and will slip up. That is what your support is there for. Do your best and when that slip up comes, look yourself in the mirror and say: "I will do my best to not let it happen again because I am WORTH IT!" To aid you in this, hang your plans, goals, support list and motivating factor where you will see it everyday!

7. Incentives

Incentives help motivate you. For example: I will buy myself that candy bar if I can stick to my plan for three days. Create incentives like this and write them on your calendar. This should be placed next to your motivating factor, support list, plan and goals. Don't make them extravagant incentives, but little things you enjoy that perhaps you haven't done for yourself in awhile.

8. Be Your Own Cheerleader!

You need to believe that you can do this. You need to see yourself as worthy to have this happen to you. You need to find things in

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