Lasting weight loss can sometimes seem unattainable. Good intentions aren’t always enough to overcome the frustration of those sore muscles from your first workouts. What are the obstacles preventing you from losing weight?  Can your primary care physician help you to lose weight and get in shape?

Defining your goal up front is a pivotal first step in a successful weight loss program. It is important to determine exactly how much weight you want to lose so that you can stay motivated and on track with your weight loss journey. This will help you to stay healthy and live a long disease free life. Your primary care physician can help you along the way.

There are several different things you can do to kick start your adventure in weight loss and make healthy decisions. A good way to start is by keeping a record of your weight loss each week. It is important to keep a food journal so you will be more inclined to eat healthy.

Food decisions that are suggested to you from your primary care physician that are last minute are most of the time the result of being overly hungry. Never wait until you are famished before finding something to have as a snack. Schedule your meals and have snacks on hand. Instead of eating fast food, pack a healthy lunch. In addition to saving money, this will help keep calories to a minimum. Being very hungry usually results in making poor food choices. Don’t wait until you’re starving to sit down to a meal. Plan your meals ahead of time and have healthy snacks available at all times. Bring your own lunch instead of going out to eat. You will save money, and be able to better keep track of the number of calories you are consuming.

A healthy diet and workout plan is included in many of the most effective fitness plans. In order to gain needed energy, you will need to make time for regular exercise each week. If you find it difficult to stick to a standard exercise schedule, another option is to look for an enjoyable physical activity that you can regularly commit time to. See if any of your friends would like to engage in a fun, calorie burning activity like dancing or hiking.

Eliminate junk food from all of the places that you spend significant amounts of time and eat on a regular basis. It’s a simple truth that if the food isn’t there you won’t eat it. Make wherever you eat, whether it be at home or you office, a place where you make good food decisions. It is good to keep healthy foods like fresh fruit, bite-size vegetables, and a package of your favorite seeds or nuts on hand for when you need to snack.

Support from family, friends or online can be a fantastic way to keep up with your weight loss goals. Reach out to your family and friends and ask them to encourage you along the away. Your friends and family can motivate you when you are ready to quit. Your buddies will be able to get you moving when you would much rather sit at home on the couch. Just remember, you would do the same for them if the roles were reversed.