New fitness and weight loss goals can feel very distant. We start with plenty of excitement and dedication, but as the days pass, we start to feel tired, become unmotivated and stop. Why doesn't everybody experience this? Some people are successful at dropping the pounds and maintaining their lean figure. What's their secret?

As a first step, know what you want to accomplish with your weight loss program, and picture it in vibrant detail. Do you have a closet full of clothes that you want to fit in again? Have you already decided on a weight you'd like to reach? Are you invested in becoming a healthier, more physically fit person?

It's important to keep track of your progress every week. Keep a regular journal that has records of your weight, preferably measured by the week. Your journal should include a food diary so that you can keep track of your daily eating habits. Writing down the foods that you consume will help you become more aware of what you are eating, thus inspiring you to stick to healthy foods.

Hunger usually results in unhealthy food decisions. It is not a good idea to wait until you are very hungry to eat. Always plan your meals in advance, and don't forget to have healthy snacks available. Bring your own lunch instead of going to a restaurant. Doing this can help you save both money and calories! Being very hungry usually results in making poor food choices. Don't wait until you're starving to sit down to a meal. Always purchase healthy snacks, and if it is a veggie that needs to be prepared, prepare it ahead of time. Plan your meals so they are healthy and have limited calories. Bring food from home instead of eating out. You will save money, and be able to better keep track of the number of calories you are consuming.

It is important to eat healthy and exercise daily. You will actually have more energy if you set aside time to exercise regularly every week. You should find fun things that you like and stick with them if you think that exercising on a regular basis is too difficult. See if any of your friends would like to engage in a fun, calorie burning activity like dancing or hiking.

Make your junk food less accessible so that you won't eat it as much. You could hide your junk food, but you would probably be better of not buying it at all. If you are surrounded by healthy foods, you will choose to eat healthily.

Workout with someone you know. We can often make excuses if we only answer to ourselves and ignore our responsibility to stay healthy. When you have a friend in the exercise mix, you'll tend to be more motivated to persevere through tiredness and frustration. By encouraging one another, you'll increase both of your chances for success.