Weight loss Strategies...

• Set Realistic Goals – Set a realistic, short-term weight goal. It's best to take small steps so that you can feel successful with each accomplishment you make, even those that are small. In other words, set your first goal for 30 days from now, perhaps making that goal to lose 8-10 pounds. This is a very realistic and reachable goal if you stick to a well balanced diet. Once you've successfully accomplished this first goal, set your next for another 30 or 60 days and so on. In the end you will feel successful, accomplished and thin.

• Share Your Goals with Others – Yes, tell other people with whom you're close exactly what your weight loss goal is. By doing so you'll be more likely to stick with your goal due to the fact that you'll likely feel humiliated and embarrassed if you should fail. Remind your friends that you only have so many days left before your deadline is up. This is sure to keep you in line because nobody likes to feel like a failure or think that they look like a failure to others.

• Be Organized and Prepared – Be sure to have your refrigerator and cupboards stocked with healthy, low-calorie and low-fat foods. This will prevent you from being tempted to reach for unhealthy snacks. You see, if healthy foods aren't readily available and you're looking for a shack, it's quite likely that you'll reach for whatever may be available. You'll avoid this if you have a good supply of fruits, nuts and vegetables around.

• Think Before You Eat – If you're tempted to grab a bite to eat, stop and think for a moment. Ask yourself if you're really hungry or instead bored, stressed or perhaps reaching for food simply because it's in front of you. If you decide you're not really hungry after all, distract yourself by doing something productive, making a phone call, reading or even going for a walk. Just like with smoking, usually the temptation will pass.

• Keep a Food Journal – Make an entry for each meal and snack you consume, as well as the time and number of calories for these entries. This will assist you a great deal in ensuring that you're not overeating or exceeding the calorie limit you've set for yourself. Even if you should grab a cracker while you're on the run, be sure to log it in because every calorie should be counted. For a free journal, go to http://www.40isbeautiful.com

• Exercise – Make time to fit in a regular exercise routine, which includes weight training, as this will speed the time at which you lose inches. You see, by building muscle, you'll be raising your metabolic rate and, therefore, burning many calories, even while you're resting. I can't stress enough the significant role exercise plays in weight loss.

No matter what your weight loss goal may be, it's important to understand that you're capable of reaching that goal. With a little determination you'll be well on your way. As a matter of fact, you're already past the first step because you've taken the time to search for information related to weight loss. You will succeed!

Do you ever find yourself thinking, what can I do…one person can’t change the world? Sometimes it is easy to forget how much of a difference one person can actually make. This week try to think about something that you can do as just one person. Perhaps you could pick up the trash in your neighborhood or become a mentor? One person can make a huge impact on the lives of others, their environment, and even the world…so what are you waiting for?