Losing weight and keeping it off can seem like an unattainable goal. We start with all the enthusiasm and motivation in the world, and then get discouraged when we feel the soreness from our first workout. What can you do to make sure you're successful?

First, you have to determine and create attainable goals for your weight loss. Is there a particular occasion you are trying to lose weight for? Are your weight loss goals very specific or do you just want to become a bit thinner and leaner? Is your goal to feel more refreshed and regain lost energy, or is your health the motivating factor? These are questions you will want to ask yourself.

Actually putting your goals in writing can really help you stay motivated to adhere to your plan. You should write down everything you consume in a food diary. At the end of each day be sure to count up all of the calories you have consumed to ensure you stayed in a healthy range. Record your weekly weight in the same journal. The use of a graph is a great visual motivator in your weight loss journal.

If you start to get too hungry, you're most likely going to make a bad food decision. In order to avoid this problem, bring healthier foods with you when you leave the house. It's a lot better to bring your lunch to work or school, than to eat in a restaurant or the cafeteria. When you prepare your own lunch, you can regulate your calorie intake and save yourself from ordering high-calorie restaurant meals. In addition to cutting back on calories, bagged lunches are also cheaper than eating out.

Eating right and keeping up to your regular exercise regimen is the best way to lose weight. Exercising at least 3 times a week is great, while exercising every day is not essential. Make sure to avoid letting your workout routine get stale by constantly mixing things up and adding new exercises. Join a dance club or class, for example, if you already enjoy dancing.

Eliminate junk food from all of the places that you spend significant amounts of time and eat on a regular basis. It may seem drastic, but if it isn't available, then you can't eat it. Stock your home or office fridge with many different healthy items. Be prepared for sudden snack attacks by having plenty of ready-to-eat foods on hand, such as carrot and celery sticks, fruit, seeds and other nutritious treats.

Get friends in on the action. You will soon find out that they are ready and waiting for the opportunity to help you overcome your immediate problem. You can greatly increase the chances of success if you keep the company of highly motivated and positive people. Good friends push you when you lose motivation. Whenever you feel your enthusiasm starting to flag, feel free to seek their assistance.