Achieving a desired weight and maintaining it requires a long-term commitment. Is the timing right for you to start making changes to your lifestyle? The better prepared you are mentally and emotionally, the greater your chances for weight loss success. Consider the following questions before you jump on the scales.
Are you ready for a long-term commitment?

• Is your motivation short-term (i.e. for a wedding or reunion)? If so, your commitment is likely to be short-term, also. When you adopt a highly restrictive diet to lose weight quickly, you are more likely to gain the weight back and have a higher body fat percentage when you stop the diet.
• Are you ready for permanent changes? Making permanent changes that cause you to lose weight gradually is better for your body. Losing one to two pounds a week is a good rate. In order to keep the weight off, you must maintain the modified behaviors that caused you to lose weight in the first place.

• Which eating habits need changing? You might need to take a look at the things that seem to trigger your bad eating habits. Keeping a journal of when, what and why you eat will help you figure out what needs to be changed. You are more likely to stay in control if you are aware of the situations that prompt you to overeat.
• Are you willing to cut fat from your diet? A registered dietitian can help you work out a plan that incorporates your favorite foods. You are more likely to lapse if you feel deprived, so avoid highly restrictive diets and allow yourself a special treat occasionally. 

• Can you set aside time in your daily routine? Daily physical activity is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. You should make plans to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Which exercises will you do? Think of ways to incorporate more activity into your routine. Make a commitment to use the stairs every day at work or to spend part of your lunch hour exercising. Also, make sure you have the proper shoes and safety equipment for the exercises you do.

• Have you set small, attainable goals? As you meet each goal, reward yourself with something besides food. Joining a weight control or exercise group or meeting regularly with a registered dietitian will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
• Do your family and friends support you? It's important to have a strong support system. However, you must remember that you're trying to improve your health, not theirs, and you might be the only one making sacrifices. Avoid people who may tempt you to stray from your plan.

  Keep in mind that you are not perfect and that an occasional lapse does not mean that you should give up on your goals. If you have a significant amount of stress in your life, it might not be a good time for you to start a weight loss plan. Remember, however, that exercising can help relieve stress. 

  If you decide to go for your goals, you must take full responsibility for your eating habits. No one puts food into your mouth but you. In the end, you will be the one to take credit for a healthier, happier body and mind.