#1 Are you looking for a quick-fix?
“Many people don’t want to hear this message because it’s too fundamental and obvious. And it requires real effort, sacrifice, work and self-control. “Whatever you do Craig, don’t mention the ‘D’ word (discipline), and please don’t talk to me about self-control again.” No, we’d rather talk about weight-loss theory number ten million, or the latest ‘breakthrough’ pill, powder, potion, product, gizmo or gadget. Or that amazing new weight-loss book. ‘Cause we need another one of those. We want quick, easy, convenient and painless. We are soft. We are precious, lazy and lack self-control. We are the quick-fix society. And the instant-gratification generation. And the fat generation.” Do check out the rest of Craig Harper’s discussion of our weight loss excuses over at Dumb Little Man - this stuff is hard hitting, straight talking and well worth checking out!

#2 Start your own weight loss blog
There are lots of people out there blogging about their weight loss progress these days. Is this something you could do? Think of it, you’d not only be helping yourself stay on track, but you may even be a source of support and encouragement to others on the same journey. There are lots of easy and free place to start a blog, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Live Journal. Why not give it a go? Check out more reasons to start blogging your weight loss journey from Diet Blog.

#3 Build habits that are for life
Ali Hale asks a number of important questions about your diet, including this one: “Would you stick to similar eating patterns after losing weight? A good diet is one which is balanced, nutritious - and enjoyable! If you hate your diet, and can’t imagine sticking with it after losing weight, then find a different eating plan to follow. Diets won’t help long-term if they leave you hungry for hours on end, or which aren’t compatible with everyday life (where you can’t ever enjoy a meal out, or where you have to prepare separate dishes for you and your family).” Check out the rest of Ali’s article here: Is Your Diet for Life?

#4 Earn money losing weight
Are you stuck for cash these days? Chris from Fatty Weight Loss discusses how she has been using her husband’s lawn mowing service as a way to make money and get fit at the same time. Could you find an active job to earn money and get more exercise at the same time? Sounds like a wonderful idea to me! You could deliver newspapers or brochures in your neighbourhood, become a door-to-door salesperson, offer gardening, handy-man, or cleaning services in your area, amongst other things of course.

#5 Find your weight loss motivation
“Spend five minutes today thinking about why you want to lose weight (or maintain your current weight, or get fitter). And don’t feel bad if your motivations aren’t all “worthy” ones. Being desperately keen to fit back into those jeans you wore as a teenager just might be the thing that keeps you on track when the chocolate cookies are calling your name!” Check out the rest of Ali’s article over at The Office Diet for more fab tips on losing weight.

#6 Challenge yourself
“Set personal goals for yourself and don’t forget to reward your accomplishment. If your goal is to be more active at work, buy a pedometer and challenge yourself to take 6,000 steps during your workday. Be creative about it: walk to a colleague’s desk rather than email, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and go to the bathroom three floors down instead of the one on your floor. Challenging yourself can be very fulfilling on a personal level when you achieve your goals, and can encourage you on to greater achievement.” Read the full article here: Weight Loss Tips and Tricks.

#7 Have you had your “light bulb” moment?
Have you ever had an experience in life that caused you to see things differently? ‘Dimpled Cheeks’ calls this her “light bulb moment.” Check out the website Bikini Envy to read how she discovered the cause of her overeating, and how she is coping with this now.

#8 Question your motives
Do you sometimes feel like you were born to fail? Check out this searching article from Soggy Wet Lettuce Leaf. Why not ask yourself the same questions, and see what you learn about yourself? Here are just a few: What feelings were you having most often when you overate?
Do you think you have a binge eating disorder?
Were you active or exercising while you gained weight?

#9 Eat more, weigh less!
“I’m not trying to oversimplify things, but the idea of eating more and weighing less is to eat more naturally low calorie foods, and to eat much less of the high calorie foods. And, I’m putting the emphasis on naturally low calorie foods because processed diet foods that are low in calories aren’t necessarily nutritious or filling. Incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet is not only helpful for weight loss efforts, but also healthy and good for a person’s body.” Read Kerri’s full article by visiting Eat Healthy Be Healthy.

#10 Beware of diet industry “solutions”
Do you fall for the diet industries money grabbing solutions? “Failed diets cause tremendous amounts of unnecessary suffering. Yet we still turn to dieting and other heavily-promoted solutions because the diet industry pushes them relentlessly.” Here are your 10 Commandments of Weight Loss Success from Thai Marathon.

#11 Focus on the details
“Every day we make dozens of tiny decisions that can spell the difference between whether we lose weight, or gain. Do you pick the muesli for breakfast, or the chocolate muffin? Do you spend twenty minutes on the couch, or twenty minutes on a brisk walk? Small changes can add up to huge results.” For more tips from Dietgirl check out her Top 20 Weight Loss Tips

#12 Don’t be overly-restrictive
“Everyone has his or her favorite treats. Simply allow yourself a little indulgence, but watch out for the frequency and the quantity. Having a small treat once in a while can be rewarding to your weight loss experience. Cutting too much of your favorite treats usually lead to an early relapse.”
You can check out and my new BLOG Good Ways to Lose Weight !
Health and happiness!