There are Countless weight loss programs out there. Most are fad diets that are impossible to follow for very long, while others are customized plans designed by professionals. They all  provide us some guidelines on what we should and shouldn’t eat and how we should exercise to ultimately reach our weight loss goals. No matter how many food plans or exercise programs we try, there are some fundamental things you must know in order to be successful in any weight loss program, and they don't have to do with what you eat.

 1. Readiness
Are you ready and willing to make a change in your life right now? The reason many weight loss plans fail is because people are not truly emotionally and psychologically ready for change. In order to achieve lifelong weight loss, you have to commit to replacing your old habits in for a new, healthier lifestyle. To do this, you must be ready for change, not just want to lose weight. There is a big difference. But, as you start down the road to changing your old habits, you will be amazed at how much better you feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally. When you are truly committed to changing your lifestyle, you will achieve and maintain lifelong weight loss and all of the benefits that go along with it!

Now you have to ask yourself a few questions. Are you ready to make the permanent dietary changes necessary for you and your family? Are you ready to start exercising regularly? Are you ready to defend your new lifestyle changes when those around you are trying to undermine your efforts? It’s a lot to consider, but you will know when the time is right, and that will be when you answer “Yes!” to those questions without a doubt.

 2. Develop a Vision
When I ask people what their fitness goals are, the answer is always, “to lose weight”, or “to lose (fill in the blank) pounds”. But, it is crucial to know the reason you want to lose weight. This important “why” is what will keep you going when times get tough; and times will get tough during process of changing your lifestyle. You will need this heart-felt reason to lose weight to keep you motivated.

I have had clients choose reasons like, being able to play with their kids, run a marathon or triathlon, go on a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon, and even climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! Another big motivator is often a health condition. Whatever you choose, this will be your vision. It is imperative to take the time to learn what your vision is. What is important to you that you will be able to achieve once you have lost weight? Write your vision down or find a picture that represents your vision and keep it where you will see it often so you will be constantly reminded of your ultimate goal. It will help to motivate you again when times are tough.

 3. Self Talk
Is yours negative or positive? Like the old saying goes: “If you think you can or you think you can’t, your right!” Unfortunately, we are usually our own worst critics and often talk ourselves into failure. If we hear things repeatedly, we start to believe they are true even when they are not. For instance, if a child is told they are a klutz from an early age they will likely always think they are a klutz.  What do you tell yourself? A common phrase I hear is, “I can’t eat carbohydrates because once I start I can’t stop”. Once you create a belief from constantly negative self-talk, then no doubt you will act it out and make it seem true. However, there is no actual reason why a person would not be able to stop eating after having a bite of carbohydrates. Its your belief that makes it your reality. So, whenever you tell yourself you can’t do something, stop and change your thought to a positive one. For example, “I realize that carbs have been a challenge for me in the past, but I can eat a small portion and save the rest for later. Like any other habit, keep working on your own positive reinforcement and tell yourself all that you can do.

 4. Be Prepared for Change.
All weight loss programs will require changing habits, but they don’t explain the process of change. The first thing you must realize is that beginning to make a change is difficult and uncomfortable because it requires us to think about what we are doing and focus on our new behaviors. It takes about 20 - 30 days to develop new habits, then the discomfort fades away and the new habits become automatic.

Few things are as comforting, on a brisk autumn day, than a bowl of hot lentil soup. This recipe is surprisingly simple with 5 minutes of prep and a cook time of just 30 minutes. Serve for lunch or dinner with a piece of hearty whole grain bread and a salad.
Yield: 12 Servings

Here's what you need...

• 7 cups water
• 2 1/2 cup dried red lentils
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Large pinch of cayenne pepper
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

1. Combine water, lentils, onion, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer until lentils have disintegrated, about 30 minutes.
2. Stir in lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper to taste.

Health Tip