1. Don't expect to lose 50 lbs in one month! Set a realistic goal for yourself, or you will be disappointed. And what could be less motivating than disappointment?

If you are continually searching for the miracle 'quick weight loss diet', you're never going to lose weight. It doesn't exist! Not in a healthy world anyway. Losing around 2 lbs each week is ideal.

Choosing a proper diet and exercise regime is the best solution for weight loss. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

2. Drink water.

I'm not going to list the many reasons why everybody should be drinking a gallon of water each day. I will say however, that drinking enough water can make or break a successful weight loss program.

Drinking more water will leave you less bloated and start getting your body ready for weight loss. Everything in your body will run more efficiently by getting at least 10 8 ounce glasses of water each day.

It is also thought that drinking ice cold water will increase the amount of calories burnt each day due to your body having to heat the water to use it properly.

3. Don't forget that drinks count as calories!

A lot of people count their calories each day when trying to lose weight. But are they counting the sodas and coffees they are drinking with their food? If you drink one can of coca-cola in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening, you've just consumed 750 calories!

And if you're really serious about losing weight, staying away from alcohol is a must. You won't tip the scale

The best strategy - drink water.

4. Find a 'weight loss buddy'.

Having someone to lose weight with can actually help you reach your weight loss goal. A weight loss buddy will provide support and encouragement, and maybe even a little friendly competition.

Weight loss buddies can be found online, or you can recruit a friend or family member to go for walks or jogs with you. They can also make your weight loss experience much more enjoyable.

5. Find some motivation.

I know what it's like to feel really pumped to start losing weight. For the first few weeks (or in my case a few days) you feel really good and you take your weight loss goal seriously.

Then, something happens and you just don't feel like doing it anymore. The reason for this is lack of motivation.

There are so many sources of motivation, you just have to find one - and keep it. This could be a weight loss buddy as mentioned earlier, a picture of yourself 30 lbs lighter taped to the fridge, or a little black dress hung up in plain view in your bedroom. Use your imagination and come up with something inspiring.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online http://www.babytipsonline.com. She is a stay at home mother although she sometimes works part time for her local newspaper. More Weight Loss information can be found at http://healthy-ways-to-lose-weight.blogspot.com.

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