In the end, diets never work. So if you plan on changing your eating and exercising habits for the better, don't say you're going on a diet. Diets are always temporary. Instead change your life, for the rest of your life. Diets are always about things you CAN'T and MUST do. You CAN'T eat this, you MUST work out like this.

Ban the words CAN'T and MUST from your vocabulary. Say "I WILL eat healthy because it makes me leaner" or "I WILL exercise daily because it makes me feel more energetic". Focus on the benefits of your new lifestyle. Positive thinking is the way to achieving any goal. The key to success is in setting goals, not just inside your head but writing them down. Set realistic goals but be sure they are not too easy too. If they are too easy, they will not motivate you enough. Visualize yourself realizing your goal, how will you look and feel when you have achieved your goal. If you are about to reach your goal, set a new goal that is a bit more ambitious.

The best way is to set a year goal and split it up into smaller goals, say monthly and weekly goals. Don't be blinded by the scale. My advice is to measure in once every week. Don't weigh yourself on a daily basis, because your weight may vary a few pounds from day to day. Also always weigh in at approximately the same time, say every Saturday morning between 9 and 10 o'clock.

And most importantly, don't panic if one week you didn't lose any weight. It can happen. It will happen. Some weeks you will easily lose 4 pounds, other weeks 1 pounds, some weeks none at all. The body works in mysterious ways. Keep your eyes on the long term goals instead. Disclaimer: The author of this article is providing information for educational purposes only. The information provided within this article is not intended to be a diagnosis or prescription. Before beginning any diet, fitness program or lifestyle change, please consult a physician.