As much as we wish weight loss could be an easy feat - it's not!  Absolutely nothing about losing weight is easy! It takes dedication, will power, self-restraint and plenty of support.  At the start of each new year a giant chunk of the population vows to fit into that pair of jeans that use to fit a few years back or maybe even a pair of jeans set aside for reaching a first time goal weight. More often than not, though, staying on track to lose weight becomes a distant reality all too quickly. Why is it that so many people have trouble sticking with weight loss plans? Half the battle of losing weight is mental! Gear yourself up for positive change, and don't let the fear of failure keep you from realizing your goals.

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Gym memberships, weight loss goals and diets are thrown out the window as life gets in the way, and excuses run rampant: too busy, too tired, too boring, etc. But excuses don't get the job done.  They keep you stagnant, unable to reach your goals!  The only way to lose weight and feel great about yourself is to recognize your excuses, throw them out the window and stop settling for disappointment!

Here's a list of the most common excuses used to avoid sticking with a weight loss plan and how to combat them.  Once you confront these excuses, you'll be on track to a happier, healthier you! Also, consider what you'll gain from sticking with your plan.  Make a list of your goals: increased strength, weight loss, healthier body, etc. and keep it near you at all times to keep your goals in sight!  These motivating factors will also help overcome excuses.

Excuse #1: I have no time to exercise

This excuse is used constantly, but has no merit. There are 168 hours in a week and for each one of these hours we make conscious decisions about what is important to us.  You have to make exercise a priority and carve out the time.  You don't need to spend more than 4 to 5 hours a week exercising, and in the big picture, that's not a very large chunk of the week.  If being healthy is truly important to you, then you must make the time.

Excuse #2: I don't know how to cook healthy meals

Beginning a brand new lifestyle is daunting, but it has done before and you can do it too! Cooking healthy is certainly an important part of any successful weight loss plan and can also be done rather simply.  If you're new to cooking in general, head to your local library and check out healthy cooking books.  Don't forget the wonders of the Internet.  Browse for healthy recipes and you will find more recipes than you could ever need! If you really want to learn more about the technical side of cooking, sign up for a cooking class.  This could a fun way to get inspired to cook and your family will surely appreciate your new skills!

Excuse #3: I have already tried and failed

Failure can be hard to overcome, but imagine how great you will feel when you do! Reevaluate your failed attempt and try to determine what went wrong.  Were you too restrictive with your diet? Did you try to exercise too long or too hard? What can you adjust for greater odds of success? Start by setting small goals that you know can be accomplished and then work your way up from there. You owe it to your health to give it another go.

Excuse #4: I can't afford a gym membership

You don't need a gym membership to get healthy! Exercising can begin within the comforts of your own home.  You can purchase a workout DVD and try at-home exercises, or you can even head outside and start walking. It doesn't matter what the activity is so long as you're moving. Ditch the gym and find an exercise that you actually enjoy doing!

Excuse #5: I am too tired

This excuse is quite a vicious cycle.  Sedentary people tend to have less energy, which can make it even harder to start exercising, but once you get going, you'll notice that you have even more energy than before.  There may be times when you are really too tired to workout, but when you are just beginning your weight loss plan, make sure you stick to a strict schedule the first few weeks so that you can reap the rewards of exercise.  After a while, you'll realize how great exercising makes you feel and you'll look forward to it.

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