Need help to get ready for the changes that you want to make?  Want guidance as to where to begin?

If you've already determined that you need to lose weight, what do you do next? Is it necessary to consult a doctor or can you get started today?  Here are some proven ways to help you prepare for the chances you want to make.

Examine your motives

Why do you want to lose weight?  Think about that for a moment.  Perhaps there are things that your weight is preventing you from doing, or physical aspects that you want to enjoy: more energy and fewer health problems, for example.  Try to focus more on the benefits to your health than the effect on your appearance.

Here are the facts:

You can decrease your lifespan by nine years when you are obese.

The importance of timing - are you ready right now?

Answer yes or no to the following sentences:

• I know why I want to lose weight.

• I'm making the choice to lose weight for myself, not others.

• I'm ready to spend the additional time and effort to make diet and exercise changes that will be necessary.

• I know that I will need to change my attitude in other to make long lasting changes.

If you've answered ‘no' for a lot of these sentences, you might want to rethink your weight loss intentions.  You just might not be fully ready yet.

All about attitude...

When you finally stop thinking about weight loss in terms of appearance results, you will start to understand that weight loss is something that you deserve - for your health and well being.

In truth, losing weight the right way won't be as difficult as you think or cause you to feel deprived.
 

You will need to start things off right with a positive attitude.  Try to remember that the changes that you are making are leading to healthy results.  Unlike those strict fad diets, you don't have to deprive yourself to make the necessary changes.  Remember that you aren't just an overweight person; you're someone that's taking control of their life for the better.  And realize that you won't fail when you truly believe this.

Think it through carefully

What you do for one part of your life will affect the other parts of your life.  You will want to realize this especially when you're making the kinds of lifestyle changes that promote weight loss.  You've going to have to make choices about your eating, your social issues with eating, but you'll also reap the rewards of learning how to eat healthfully - weight loss, increased energy.  Thinking about these ideas ahead of time can keep you from going off track when changes start to happen.

Boost your confidence

When you want to lose weight successfully, you will need to make long term changes in your eating and exercise habits.  When you become confident that you can make these changes, you can expect greater success.

If you don't feel as confident, you might want to consider looking into a support group, setting realistic goals, writing down your motivations and learning about weight loss in general to help.

Daily diary

Keeping a food and exercise journal before you even begin your weight loss plan will help you learn where your problem areas may be.  Try to keep this journal for a few weeks to see your regular routine and what you might want to change.  You can also continue this journal to see how far you've come in your weight loss plans - time and time again; it's been shown that those that keep journals are the most successful.

When you need to talk to your physician

Never lose weight while pregnant

If you're under eighteen, have a preexisting medical condition, take prescription medicines, have a history of eating disorder or have a BMI of over 35, you will want to talk to your physician.  When you're breastfeeding, this is also the case.  It's also understood that pregnancy is not the time for weight loss programs, as it can harm a growing fetus.

Do it now!

• Note all of the reasons you want to lose weight in your journal.

• Think about why you should or should not lose weight - which side wins when you compare them?

• Maintain a food and exercise journal.

• When you change your mind, you can change your weight - remember that a little positive attitude can go a long way.