At the beginning of a new weight-loss plan, many people are extremely motivated and hopeful. But after a while, people give up because their dream seems too far away. Some people can lose weight and manage to keep the weight off. How do they do it? There must be some magic chemical that makes this possible! What is the secret to this?

First, identify your weight loss goals. Decide if you are trying to build muscle or just lose weight. Are you aiming to reach a certain weight? Or are you simply tired of feeling drained, winded and weak?

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. Add a food diary to your journal, and be sure to list your food intake throughout each day. Writing down what you are eating will make you more conscious of what you eat.

Think about what you are going to eat throughout the day. Do not wait until the hunger pangs start gnawing at your stomach to start thinking about what you will eat. Get ready in advance. Bring your own lunch and healthy snacks to work and on trips. Imagine how much money you can save by not dining out. You only stand a good chance of achieving your objectives with careful deliberation about menus and by maintaining the discipline needed to follow through with your strategy.

The most effective way to get weight off is to eat healthy and work out on a regular basis. Rather than aiming for exercising daily and burning out, try to schedule 3 or four workouts a week. Make exercise fun if you are bored with it. Join a dance club or class, for example, if you already enjoy dancing.

You shouldn't bring foods into the house that you won't be able to eat. Your family may take some time getting used to this healthier way of eating, but they will adjust given time. Load up the fridge with fruits, veggies and other healthy items. Nobody will have to live without a variety of snacking options. Having fruit as a snack is an excellent choice for people of all ages. Granola is another healthy snack you can enjoy while on a diet.

Have your friends support you in whatever way they are able. They can provide you with motivation, support, encouragement and advice. If you're held responsible by someone, it helps you to not give up when you're feeling like you can't go on. When you feel like you are not motivated, call a buddy for support. They will be able to get you through the tough times by offering you a supportive shoulder.