1. Reward Yourself

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Yes I'm serious! Set a goal of weight loss, and once you have achieved it, then reward yourself! Buy a new outfit or some new makeup, or take yourself and a friend out for dinner. Do something FUN and something that will help keep you motivated and you will see that it is much easier to stick to your weight loss plan and the pounds will keep melting off with your determination!

2. Don't Snack around

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Trying to lose weight is difficult when you snack throughout the day. If you feel you simply can't make it through the day without a snack, then here's what you can do. Get rid of all your chips and cookies and sodas and stock your fridge with water, grapes, carrots, and line your pantry shelves with rice cakes and granola bars. Then when you reach for a snack, it will be healthy!

3. Make Small Changes

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You don't have to start living on spinach and water and have a 2-hour workout session every day to see progress. Although I'm sure that would get you drastic results, most people don't have the time to cook wholesome meals and get to the gym every day. But what you CAN do is simple changes. When you grocery shop, park at the end of the parking lot and get in extra walking time. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Drink water instead of pop. Replace as many food items as you can with fat-free versions. It will take a few weeks, but it will make a difference over time!

4. Watch Your Portions

Photo Credit: Double With Cream (absent...sorry!)

How man of you can admit to eating when you're not really hungry or eating more when you know you're full but don't want to stop? I know I sure can! Paying attention and tuning in to the signals our body sends us is one of the key components to losing weight. When you are full, stop eating. Make sure you eat when you are hungry, but not when your tired, sad, or stressed out. And watch those portions!

5. Exercise

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Don't leave out the importance of exercise when trying to lose weight! Especially cardio which will burn more calories. If you can't afford or have no time for the gym, you can ride your bike or walk. Walk to work, jog in the park, or run with your dog. Swimming, rock climbing, and rollerblading count as exercise too!

6. Drink up

Water that is! I'm sure most of you know this but drinking lots of water is vital if you are seriously wanting to lose weight. Water helps flush out the fat and the excess weight that you don't want hanging around. You will have more strength and energy and you will be amazed by what you can accomplish! Water many not be your favorite beverage, but it's an important one. Treat yourself to one or two sodas on the weekend to break up the monotony of plain ol' water.

7. Be Confident

Believe in yourself! Be confident that you will reach your weigh loss goal. Try to also maintain a level of self-acceptance. You may not have the perfect body, but you are working hard to achieve it and you are staying healthy in the process! That's something to be proud of. If you are comfortable in your own body and do what you can to stay that way, you have already succeeded!

Don't let losing weight consume you. It's ok to try and stay in shape, but don't let it rule your life. Focus on getting a healthy eating routine down and keeping it! How do YOU stay in shape and maintain your weight?

Top Photo Credit: Spandana R