by Maya Vokes-Didier

Created on: February 20, 2011

One main aspect of a successful diet program is the ability to adhere to it until you see the results that you have in mind. To reap the benefits of a diet, it must be continued for a sustained period of time. However, in order to stick to such a long-term diet, it is a pre-requisite to have plenty of motivation and discipline. It is only too easy to give up and let your enthusiasm slacken, especially at those times when you find that your weighing scales are not showing favorable readings, or when you are faced with gourmet temptations to lure you away from your weight-loss goal.

Finding that self motivation within you can be made possible by following a few simple tips:

1. Make short-term goals that are SMART

SMART goals are those that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Set mini-goals that make up your main goal. In other words, rather than aiming to lose 20 pounds in 3 months, try to set yourself up for losing one pound every week. You will find it easier to achieve these mini goals as you progress towards your main goal. Do not set a goal that you know, in your heart, is difficult to achieve. Be kind to yourself and be reasonable. Allow for plateaus and slow results.

2.  Plan ahead

Planning your meals ahead of time and getting them ready before you even begin to feel the first pangs of hunger is an effective way to avoid getting tempted to eat the wrong kind of snacks to appease hunger.

 3. Keep a diary

It really helps to maintain a diary, where you can log details of what you eat everyday. Include total calories and fat grams, as well as fiber, protein and carbohydrate grams in the foods that you consume daily. With this, you can keep track of your progress and stay on target. It is also easy to do this online, using websites offering free diet programs and calorie counters.

4. Get regular exercise

A good workout not only makes you energetic, but also has the added benefit of making you subconsciously choose the right foods. Cardiovascular exercise and resistance training help you lose weight faster and contribute to improved moods, so you are less likely to binge because of the blues.

5. Find a Friend or Join a Community

Dieting can be tough when you do it alone. Find a friend or family member who can go on a diet with you. Alternatively, you can join an online community or chat room for dieters. These are virtual zones where people share their weight-loss goals and frustrations, and provide support to one another. You

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