Staying motivated is key to losing weight. It sounds simple, but it is absolutely imperative. Make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. Try not to make workout regimens and diet plans that will be difficult to convince yourself to adhere to. You might lose weight slower than you would like, but it should be much easier to keep the weight off. To help you lose weight, cut out carbonated sweet drinks. There is an incredible amount of sugar in pop. This sugar will easily turn to fat if it is not burned off, resulting in weight gain. This is probably one of the easiest things you can do to lose weight. Diet drinks are better, however they still are not good for you for other reasons. Consuming water may help you lose weight quickly but it is just water weight that will return. Quick weight loss plans usually result in weight gain. You may not lose any weight from fat, but you lose water weight that can keep you fitting into your clothing easily. Don't be hard on yourself when trying to lose weight. Give yourself a break. Know that sometimes you won't make it to your workout, sometimes you'll eat badly and sometimes you will want to stop. But being easy on yourself means that you forgive yourself and can continue until you lose the weight you want to lose. If you tend to engage in mindless snacking every night in front of the TV, find something else to do with your hands instead. Learn to crochet or knit. Start doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku. You may begin to realize that you have actually just been eating out of boredom. Keeping your hands busy can help to curb that feeling that you need to reach for a snack. Heading out to dinner with a friend, go dutch with what's on your plate! The portion sizes at most restaurants are enough to feed a small army, way too much for a single person. Split a meal, dessert or drink with a friend to help cut those calories in half. Keep a food diary. Carry a notebook with you and write down everything that you eat and drink, and t