New Year, new you. Sounds great, does it not? The start of a new year can be just the boost you need to take the first step towards changing your eating and exercise habits forever. However, even the best of intentions are doomed to failure unless you keep things in perspective.

No matter what anyone tells you, there is no magic formula that will melt away the extra fat in one day. After all, you did not gain all the extra weight overnight, did you? Weight loss is a gradual process and is most successful when done slowly. Here are seven tips that will keep you motivated in your weight loss goals beyond January 2:

1. Set yourself mini-goals. This will help to keep you excited about your weight loss program. Treat yourself to a small reward whenever you meet your mini-target. For example, if you set your first goal to losing five pounds, treat yourself to a manicure, a book or a trip to the theatre when you achieve it. Do not make the reward a food item: after all, you are embarking on a new relationship with food.
2. Use music in your exercise routine. Do you have a favorite CD that makes you feel like dancing each time you hear it? Use it when you are exercising: it will help keep you tuned to the action.
3. Read weight loss books and articles. There are many magazines and books devoted to weight loss. Reading through other people’s success stories can be a true inspiration.
4. Watch weight loss shows. There are many shows dedicated to this subject on TV. Watching participants lose weight over the weeks will help keep you motivated.
5. Remain focused on the big picture. Losing weight to look good and fit into a smaller size is all very well, but the greatest benefit of all is that you will improve your health. This is a goal that is really worth investing your time in.
6. Be positive. There are bound to be slip-ups along the way. Do not beat yourself up about that missed trip to the gym. Remember instead all the times that you actually did a good workout.
7. Use the Internet. There are several websites on the Internet that offer advice and support to people who are interested in losing weight. The online resources can be very useful tools and you can even participate in forums with like-minded people.

Losing weight is not an impossible dream. Just remember that it will not happen overnight: you need to work hard to achieve your goals. These seven tips will help you to remain on track and next year you might just need to think up a different New Year’s resolution.

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