Sometimes we think achieving lasting weight loss isn't in the cards for us. A common pitfall for new exercisers is that they overdo it and then the pain the next day keeps them from continuing. What are the obstacles preventing you from losing weight?

Charting a course for your weight loss is your first course of action. Is there a special event coming up that you want to look nice for? Is there a certain number of pounds that you want to get rid of? Are you aiming to increase the amount of energy you have? Do you need to lose weight to improve your health? These are the types of things you need to ask yourself.

It's important to log your weight loss each and every week. Weigh yourself once a week, and log what you eat in a food journal each day. If you keep track of what you're consuming every day, you are less likely to make poor diet choices.

Making decisions about what to eat while you are hungry is not a wise choice. Planning your meals in advance and keeping healthy snacks on hand will help you avoid reaching for unhealthy foods. Pack a healthy lunch and brown-bag it instead of eating out to both save money and enjoy a more nutritious meal.

If losing weight is really important to you, then you need to focus on both diet and activity. To maintain your motivation level, you need to select physical activities that you enjoy doing as part of your exercise plan. Here are some great options: Take a dance class! Join a sports team! Join a hiking club! Get into power walking! Swim or jog with a friend! Making this work for you requires a bit of creativity, but it's all worth it in the end when you meet your goals.

Throw away any unhealthy food that is found in your cupboards. You can't give into temptation if rich, fatty foods aren't available. Stock your kitchen full of healthy foods you love. The harder it is to eat unhealthy food, the less appealing it will be, and the less you will consume.

Having the support of your family and friends can make a world of difference. Having friends there to support you can be a great motivator, even though they can't lose weight for you. If you have someone that you know you have to report to, it makes it easier to do what you know you should. Look to your friends or family for moral support when you feel down. No one can provide you with the support that you need like a friend can.