Dear Dr. Susan,

What can I do to stick to my weight loss program and not give up after just a few weeks until I reach my healthy goal weight?

Thanks,

Losing motivation, but not weight

Dear Losing Motivation,

You're not alone! Many people have a really hard time staying motivated once they start a weight loss plan. The #1 reason  that people give up is because they get tired of what they are eating. They put themselves on a very restrictive 'diet', and after a while, it becomes much too difficult to stick to it--because it is sooooo boooooring!!

the best way to be successful it to follow these three steps:

#1: Eat a variety of foods. Being healthy doesn't mean eating only a few things. Experiment with as many different healthy foods and combinations of healthy foods as you can, prepared in all different ways. You should learn to prepare and cook your own food--that is also fun and will allow you to feel independent, even if others in your family aren't healthy eaters!

#2: Don't completely give up treats and 'junk' food. It's too tempting and you'll eventually need to give in! Rather, limit the amount you eat to one 'junk' food serving a day. If you know you'll be able to eat it and you stick to a single serving (read the label to see what a serving is for the food you choose), nothing bad it won't stop you from losing weight and it WILL stop you from feeling insanely bored and envious of what other people are eating.

#3: Make short-term goals for yourself, not only long-term ones and make sure your goals aren't all about the # of pounds you want to lose. For example, good short term goals could be: eat one serving of fruit each day, or exercise five more minutes each week or stretch after you finish your homework or try one new healthy food a month. These goals are manageable, and they will keep you motivated to keep moving forward with your healthy plan. What goals can you think of? Make a list!

Good luck, I know you can stay motivated!!