Losing weight is never easy, but it’s not impossible to accomplish. The hardest part is keeping the weight off, successfully. Whether you need to drop a few pounds or several pounds, you will probably need to make changes to your diet and your lifestyle. The changes you make today will have a lasting effect on your health in the future. Keep in mind that you don’t have to focus on losing all your excess pounds right away. It took a while to put them on, so give your self time to take them off.

Starting a new diet should be exciting and fun. Try not to get intimidated by the foods you can’t have and concentrate more on all the foods you can eat. Make changes gradually, but with purpose and commitment. Step-by-step, you can make changes in your diet that will improve your health and make you feel and look spectacular.

If you haven’t already, start cutting back on processed foods with added sugar, salt and saturated fat. Choose fresh vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Use fresh herbs and spices to season your food. Substitute low-fat or non-fat dairy whenever possible. Look for recipes that use these ingredients and find ways to cook healthy.

Substitute water as a beverage as often as you can. It is suggested that you drink 8 glasses of water throughout the day. If you work out strenuously you may need to increase your intake of water. It helps to remove toxins from your body and keeps your kidneys working at optimum condition.

Start keeping a fitness journal. Write down every thing you eat and drink each and every day. Make short-term goals and long-term goals to keep you focused on what you truly want for your body. Write all of this down in your journal and you will have a greater chance for success with your diet. It is a proven fact that women who keep a fitness journal have a better weight loss success rate than those women who don’t. Keeping a fitness journal will keep you accountable.

Get up and get moving. Make exercise a regular part of your life. No matter your age or physical limitations, there are moves that you can do to help you lose weight and keep it off. Once you’ve mastered certain exercises, move on to the next level. Add weights to your resistance exercises and try doing quick bursts of cardio between sets. Keep your workout new, exciting and fun. You will enjoy the exercise and the results that you will see from it.

Transform your lifestyle into a healthy lifestyle, combining diet, exercise and the right attitude. You will be able to manage your weight successfully and keep off those excess pounds.