Five ways to achieve your weight loss goals

Let’s face it, starting a new diet or fitness plan is never easy.

After the first few weeks, you always struggle to maintain it. There is never enough time, there is no-one giving you any support, and, after a while, you can’t be bothered - it’s too much effort.

I think we have all been there. Well, DietPixie has come up with five ways to help you stay on track.

1) Exercise earlier in the day

Studies have shown that people who are new to exercise and decide to start working out first thing in the morning are 75% more likely to still be exercising a year later.

It will also give you better results.

2) Shorter exercise sessions

Be realistic. You are far more likely to complete a session if it’s shorter and more manageable.

If you are struggling to complete a workout, you will simply grow to resent and create as many excuses as possible to get out if it.

It will also eat up less time in your busy daily schedule.

3) Exercise more at home

Getting all your gym stuff together and going to the gym can be a pain in itself. The trick is to stop looking at exercise as something you have to do in your tracksuit and trainers.

Use home fitness DVDs, try walking around the local park - it will help change your attitude towards exercise.

It will also take up less time.

4) Find exercise partners

Sometimes partners, friends and family just don’t get it. They say they are supportive but do very little to help you achieve your goals and sometime actively discourage your new healthy habits.

Explain the importance of the new diet or fitness regime to them. This will help you identify the people who can help you and those who will not. Studies into men recovering from heart attacks have revealed that they were 40% more likely to stick to a new health plan if they had a spouse that actively helped out.

5) Bone up

Sometimes you just don’t know if you are doing the right thing. You know what you want from your new health regime, but you simply do not know how to achieve it.

To make matters worse, you’ve joined agym and what you are doing is not having any effect.

So get help; ask a professional or get advice from people who know. Join a weight management support group and regularly read our articles.