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In the previous article we discussed the challenges of losing weight.  In this article we will outline the steps you should take before even starting on a weight loss program.

Getting started on an effective weight loss program will require a commitment on your part.  Before you launch on a program that has such a significant impact to your health and lifestyle you should take some time to get prepared both physically and psychologically:

1. Make the decision to lose weight

This seems like a trivial step, but it is one of the most important.  When we talk about making a decision, the term decision should not be taken lightly.  Losing weight is something that you need to commit to and usually requires some sort of emotional attachment and response from you.  Sometimes that emotional response is due to health issues that have become critical.  But it can also be something more simple and benign such as your desire to look better before a reunion with old friends.  Whatever it is, find the right emotional stimulant that will spark the motivation to get you started in your weight loss program.

2. Reduce stress

Getting on a weight loss program will require some changes in your habits, and change in and of itself can naturally add some stress to your life.  If you are already going through a significant amount of stress, dealing with this change may be more difficult.  Ideally, you should try to reduce the amount of stress you are experiencing before starting on a weight loss program.  However, if this is not an option, the exercise aspect of the program will help you better deal with the stress.  Just be aware of how stress is impacting your success with your weight loss program.

3. Set aggressive but achievable goals

Your weight loss program should be aggressive.  If you set a goal that will not be meaningful to your health or bring significant changes to your physical appearance, it will not have the same motivational impact.  However, it is very important that your goal be achievable, so that you can track your continuous progress towards your goal.  The biggest mistake that people make in setting weight loss goals is not giving it enough time.

Experts recommend that you lose 1-2 pounds per week through a sensible nutritional program and exercise.  This will not produce a rapid weight loss, but will have a much higher chance of helping you keep the weight off in the long run.  It is also a more medically sound and effective strategy for losing weight.

“Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle”

Bob Hope

4. Check with your doctor before starting on a weight loss program

This is just common sense.  Please check with your doctor before you start on any program that changes your exercise and eating habits.

5. Visualize yourself after achieving your goal

Visualization is a well-known personal development technique, and it can be particularly effective with weight loss.  For example, if you have a picture of when you were younger and thinner, use it as a motivational tool.  Put the picture in a place where you can see it often and focus on your desire to look like that again.

6. Get set up for success

Here are a few things you should do to increase your chances of success:

• Go through your fridge and cabinet and get rid of all the tempting high calorie foods.
• Make a log to keep track of your progress.  You should also consider getting a log to keep track of everything you eat in the first few days to make sure you are not unconsciously eating more than you should.
• Make exercising convenient.  Find the right place where you will be comfortable exercising.  Whether it is joining a gym near your work or home, or setting up some space with some exercise equipment in your basement, it is critical that exercising does not become a major inconvenience for you.
• Establish a support mechanism.  Find someone you trust to help you through the rough spots.  Ideally this should be someone that share the same goals and may be trying to lose weight also.

In the next article we will start to provide you with the details of the actual program that will help you achieve success with your weight loss.

You may also want to check out the site Fat Loss 4 Idiots.com.

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