It can seem impossible at times to achieve weight loss goals. Good intentions aren't always enough to overcome the frustration of those sore muscles from your first workouts. What are the obstacles preventing you from losing weight?

Deciding your goals before signing up or taking the first steps in a weight loss program will help your success. Having a target weight goal will help you keep focused on reaching that goal.

Keep track of your progress weekly. Be sure to write in your weight loss journal frequently and weigh yourself only once a week. Within the journal, create a food log to keep track of all the food you eat each day. By physically recording what you eat, you will be more self aware and perhaps more discerning in your dietary choices.

If you become too hungry, your ability to make rational food choices will diminish and you may end up on an eating binge that you will later regret. Save money and avoid temptation by planning out your meals and bringing them with you before you leave the house. Prepare lunch in advance rather than eating junk food on the go. You will save money by bringing your own food, and the food you make will be healthier than what you can get from restaurants and fast food places.

Eating healthy meals and snacks is one part of your weight loss program - frequent exercise is the other. Fitness routines can be difficult for some people to follow long-term, even though those same people can easily adopt healthier eating habits. Find ways to make exercising less of a chore, perhaps by working out with a partner or finding an activity you enjoy. Combine the two if you find it to be necessary. Go to a fitness class or on a walk together.

To stop eating unhealthy foods, make it harder to obtain. You can either hide it from view or just not buy it at all. Surrounding yourself with healthier food will encourage you to eat more of it.

Invite a friend to exercise with you. It is easy to put off what needs to be done when you are only accountable to yourself. Having someone to exercise with will give you the motivation you need to continue on. You an rely on each other for emotional support, motivation and ideas to make your weight loss more successful.